The cyclone Arnab, which is developing over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27 and approach the Andhra Pradesh coast near Yanam on October 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
With the approaching weather system, the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are taking strong measures to prepare for heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding and damage to infrastructure. The cyclone could bring wind speeds of 115-125 kmph and gusts of 140 kmph as it approaches the coast.
In the meantime, there is a possibility that the Northeast Monsoon will magnify rainfall in Tamil Nadu, with the presence of heavy showers in different parts of the state. Meanwhile, there are reports of rain-related deaths in Tamil Nadu.
Cyclone Arnab Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal
According to the IMD bulletin issued on Monday, October 26, Cyclone Arnab was centred on the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal around 8:30 am. The weather system had moved west at about 15 kmph during the last 6 hours.
At the time of the bulletin, the cyclone was located approximately 610 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 690 kilometres east-southeast of Kakinada and 580 kilometres southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha.
The IMD forecast indicated that the system would intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday midnight. It was expected to strengthen further into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.
The cyclone is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast and cross between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, during the early morning or morning hours of October 28. The expected wind speed during the coastal crossing is 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph.
The approaching cyclone has raised concerns about coastal flooding, damage to vulnerable structures, disruption of transportation and the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall across affected regions.
Heavy to Extremely Heavy Rain Forecast in Andhra Pradesh
The IMD has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28. Some areas could receive exceptionally heavy rainfall, while isolated locations are expected to experience particularly intense showers. Heavy rainfall is also likely to continue in parts of the region on October 29 as the weather system moves inland and gradually weakens.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema. Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain has said the next three days will be crucial in the state's preparation. Residents, especially in coastal areas, should be cautious and follow the written instructions, he said.
#Cyclonic storm “#Arnab” [Pronunciation :#Ornab]” https://t.co/B7TAgFj3Ik
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 26, 2026
The authorities are monitoring the cyclone’s movement and preparing emergency plans to respond to flooding and other weather-related emergencies.
Odisha Strengthens Cyclone Preparedness in Six Districts
Though Cyclone Arnab is forecast to come and impact the Andhra Pradesh coast, the Odisha government has intensified precautionary measures in six vulnerable southern districts.
These districts of increased preparedness are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned eight ministers to coordinate the preparations and monitor the situation in the affected districts.
According to officials, 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed. Fire and emergency services personnel and police officials are also involved in the preparedness arrangements.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government is ready to respond to any eventuality despite the cyclone’s expected movement towards Andhra Pradesh.
The government has prohibited fishing in the sea and restricted tourists from visiting hills, waterfalls, dams and other tourist places in the six vulnerable districts. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the affected districts have been ordered to remain closed on October 28 and 29 as a precautionary measure.
Residents Moved to Safe Shelters, Zero-Casualty Strategy
Odisha authorities have started relocating people living in vulnerable areas, especially those living in low-lying areas and houses with thatched roofs. Pregnant women are being moved to healthcare facilities in advance, and special arrangements are being made for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
Cyclone shelters have been prepared with essential facilities to accommodate residents who may need temporary evacuation. The government has also cancelled leave for employees in the affected districts to ensure that sufficient personnel remain available for emergency operations.
Control rooms have been established to coordinate rescue, relief and evacuation activities. Under the state's zero-casualty policy, district collectors have been instructed to ensure that people living in vulnerable areas are moved to safer locations before the cyclone's impact.
The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to harvest crops that are approximately 80-85% mature and store them safely to minimise potential losses. Separate helplines have also been established to assist farmers during the weather emergency. Minister Suresh Pujari said rainfall could begin affecting parts of Odisha on Monday, based on the IMD forecast.
Tamil Nadu Faces Three Days of Heavy Rain
While Andhra Pradesh and Odisha prepare for Cyclone Arnab, Tamil Nadu is also expected to experience significant rainfall over the next three days as the Northeast Monsoon intensifies.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated locations across Ariyalur, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts.
Heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam.
Some areas of Chennai are likely to receive moderate rainfall.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds reaching 40-50 kmph are also possible at isolated locations across the state. The changing weather conditions have prompted district authorities to take precautionary measures, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and rain-related accidents.
Three Rain-Related Deaths Reported in Tamil Nadu
Rain-related incidents have already claimed three lives in Tamil Nadu over the weekend, according to the information provided.
In Dindigul district, a six-year-old boy identified as T. Ankesh drowned after reportedly slipping into water accumulated near a canal at Oddanchatram on Sunday. The boy, who was studying in Class 1, belonged to a family from Rajasthan working on an agricultural farm in Ammapatti.
In another incident, a 45-year-old daily-wage worker identified as Muthusamy died after reportedly falling into a rainwater-filled pit near Gandhi Vegetable Market in Thangachiyammapatti, Dindigul.
Meanwhile, in Krishnagiri district, a 45-year-old woman travelling as a pillion passenger on a two-wheeler died after a snapped electric wire reportedly fell on her on Saturday night. She was electrocuted in the incident.
The incidents have highlighted the dangers associated with waterlogged areas, exposed electrical wires and unsafe conditions during heavy rainfall.
Dindigul Schools Closed, Kodaikanal Tourist Spots Shut
As a precautionary measure, the Dindigul District Collector has declared a holiday for schools on Monday.
The Forest Department has also closed five tourist locations under its jurisdiction in Kodaikanal. Residents and visitors are told to avoid waterlogged areas, stay away from damaged electrical facilities and follow the district administration’s advice.
With Cyclone Arnab approaching the Andhra Pradesh coast and heavy rainfall expected in Odisha and Tamil Nadu, we are monitoring the weather conditions and strengthening emergency preparedness.
Resilience in vulnerable areas should be kept in mind to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and to follow weather and evacuation advisories recommended by official weather alerts.
The next few days are likely to be crucial for coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, while Tamil Nadu is still in the process of preparing for the Northeast Monsoon and is ready for the impact of the Northeast Monsoon.
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