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Heavy rain and gusty winds have begun battering parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh as Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab continues to move over the west-central
Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities to step up preparedness and relief measures across the state. Visuals from Uppada in Kakinada district show rough weather conditions along the coast, while Srikakulam district is also experiencing heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned that more heavy rainfall is likely across North Andhra districts in the coming hours. Residents have been urged to remain alert, avoid visiting coastal areas and strictly follow official safety advisories.
The cyclone is currently centred around 215 km from Visakhapatnam and is likely to make landfall near Yanam on Wednesday morning, according to the latest preparedness updates. Rough sea conditions have been reported along the coast, with waves likely to rise by 1–2 metres. Extremely heavy rainfall has also been forecast for North Andhra and other coastal districts.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha are continuously reviewing the state's preparedness as the storm approaches.
The state government has deployed 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 10 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams across 14 districts for rescue and relief operations. A total of 2,131 cyclone shelters have been established across 20 districts, while alerts are being sent to 2.70 crore mobile phones across 18 districts.
Authorities have also directed 30,043 fishing boats to remain off the sea amid worsening coastal conditions.
To prepare for potential medical emergencies, 1,087 medical teams have been deployed, with 8,281 emergency beds and 1,274 ambulances kept ready. Hospitals have stocked 21,536 doses of anti-snake venom, while 1,351 pregnant women have already been shifted safely to hospitals.
The government has arranged 2,613 drinking water tankers, 2,430 generators and 4,448 reverse osmosis (RO) plants. Essential commodities sufficient for two months have been stocked at 14,686 ration shops.
The authorities have issued advisories to 35.96 lakh farmers to protect crops from potential damage. Government hostels are also being monitored, with special attention to 419 tribal hostels and arrangements in place for the safety of 88,083 students.
The Roads and Buildings Department has readied 550 JCB machines and 596 electric saws for emergency operations. Officials are also monitoring conditions at 1,079 reservoirs.
The Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS), along with the APSDMA, is monitoring the situation round the clock and providing regular ground updates to district administrations.
With heavy rain and gusty winds already affecting parts of the coast, residents have been advised to stay indoors where necessary, avoid vulnerable coastal stretches and follow instructions issued by local authorities as Cyclone Arnab approaches.
