Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ over the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify further, triggering warnings for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of India over the next few days. The India Meteorological
Department (IMD) has warned of particularly intense weather in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with the storm expected to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm before approaching the coast.
The latest IMD bulletin said Arnab was located over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal on Monday, October 26. The system was moving westwards at around 15 kmph and is expected to turn northwestwards towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Cyclone Arnab To Intensify, Landfall Expected On October 28
According to the IMD, Arnab is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the night of October 26 and further strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.
The storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28. The IMD has forecast maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting up to 140 kmph around the time of landfall.
The coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh are therefore likely to experience rough to very rough sea conditions, strong winds and intense rainfall. The IMD has also warned of a possible storm surge of 1–1.5 metres above the astronomical tide, which could inundate low-lying areas during landfall.
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha Face Extremely Heavy Rain
Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to see extremely heavy rainfall on October 27 and 28, followed by heavy rain on October 29. Strong surface winds and thunderstorms are also likely during this period.
Odisha is also under a significant rainfall threat. The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rain on October 27 and 28, followed by very heavy rainfall on October 29.
The weather system is also expected to affect parts of central and eastern India as it moves inland.
Telangana, Chhattisgarh Also On Rain Alert
The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for Telangana on October 27, with isolated extremely heavy rain possible on October 28. Heavy rain is also expected on October 29, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
In Chhattisgarh, heavy rain is forecast on October 27, while extremely heavy rainfall is possible on October 28 and 29.
East Uttar Pradesh To See Heavy Rain
The weather system is likely to influence conditions further north as well. East Uttar Pradesh is forecast to receive very heavy rainfall on October 29 and 30, while heavy rain along with thunderstorms and lightning is expected on October 31.
The latest IMD warning indicates that the impact of the system will therefore extend well beyond the coastal areas, with several states likely to experience intense rainfall during the week.
Weather Alert: Fishermen Advised To Stay Away From Sea
With Arnab strengthening over the Bay of Bengal, sea conditions are expected to become dangerous in and around the storm’s path. The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the affected sea areas and urged people in vulnerable coastal locations to follow official warnings and instructions from local authorities.
Residents in affected areas should keep track of the latest IMD forecasts, particularly as the storm’s intensity and exact track can change as it approaches the coast.
