Cyclone Arnab is heading for India's east coast, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has put Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts under a red-message cyclone warning.
The storm formed over the Bay of Bengal, intensified into a cyclonic storm on Monday, October 26, and is forecast to strengthen further before it reaches land.
Here is what the forecast says, which areas are most at risk, and what people in the path should do.
Where the storm is, and where it is going
In its bulletin on the morning of Monday, October 26, the IMD placed the cyclonic storm — pronounced "Ornab" — over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.
At 5:30 am IST it was about 610 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada, and 910 km east of Bapatla.
It was moving westwards at about 15 kmph, faster than the 8 kmph it had been travelling at earlier.
The IMD forecast is clear about the next steps. The storm was expected to become a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26, and a very severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday, October 27.
It is then expected to move north-westwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28.
How strong will it be at landfall?
At landfall, the IMD expects maximum sustained winds of 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph.
That is strong enough to uproot trees, damage weak structures and power lines, and bring intense rainfall to coastal districts.
For Andhra Pradesh, the main risks are destructive winds and heavy rain around the landfall zone. For Odisha, the immediate concerns are extremely heavy rain in southern districts, strong coastal winds, hazardous sea conditions, and possible landslides in hilly areas.
Odisha is expected to start receiving rain from Cyclone Arnab from Tuesday, October 27, as the storm and another weather system near the Tamil Nadu coast influence conditions over the state.
What officials have done so far
Odisha says it is fully prepared. The state has held high-level meetings with IMD officials, and its police and specialised response force, ODRAF, are coordinating the response.
Fishing in the sea has been prohibited, and tourist entry has been banned in hills, waterfalls and dams in six districts as a precaution. The fire and emergency services have identified six southern districts as a focus and are deploying 225 teams, more than 100 boats, and specialised vehicles. Schools in five districts have been shut as part of the precautionary measures, according to local reporting on Monday.
In Andhra Pradesh, the State Disaster Management Authority has urged people to stay alert and follow safety precautions, and officials are watching the storm's effect on urban local body elections scheduled for November 1.
Safety tips if you are in the affected area
First, follow only official updates from the IMD and your state disaster management authority, and ignore forwarded messages that do not name a source. Stay away from the sea and do not go fishing until authorities say it is safe.
Second, charge phones and power banks, keep drinking water and essential medicines ready, and secure loose items on balconies and rooftops. If officials ask you to move to a shelter, do not wait for the worst weather — roads can flood quickly once heavy rain starts. Stay indoors during the strongest winds, keep away from windows, and do not touch fallen power lines.
Frequently asked questions
When will Cyclone Arnab make landfall?
The IMD expects it to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
How strong will the winds be?
Maximum sustained winds of 115 to 125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph at landfall, according to the IMD forecast issued on October 26.
Which states are affected?
Andhra Pradesh faces the landfall, while south Odisha faces heavy rain, strong winds and landslide risk in hilly districts. Rain in Odisha is expected from Tuesday, October 27.
Is the forecast final?
No. Cyclone tracks and intensity can change, so check the latest IMD bulletin before making travel or safety decisions.
Read next: How to Spot a Fake Viral Video or Photo Before You Share It (https://buzzsignaldaily.blogspot.com/2026/10/how-to-spot-fake-viral-video-photo.html) — useful during any storm, when old or unrelated disaster clips often go viral as if they were live.
Sources
India Meteorological Department cyclone bulletins, October 25–26, 2026, as reported by The Hindu, Business Today, Odisha TV, Public TV and the Financial Express.
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