Cyclone Arnab live updates: Very severe storm heads for Andhra Pradesh coast

Cyclone Arnab is a very severe cyclonic storm and the first to form over the Bay of Bengal in 2026. It is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28. Sustained winds are expected at 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy to heavy rain over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha from October 27 to 29.

As of October 26, Odisha had shut schools in six districts and deployed eight ministers to oversee preparations. Andhra Pradesh has shut schools in coastal districts and restricted fishing operations, and is moving people from low-lying areas ahead of landfall.

The storm reaches a state already counting drought: Andhra Pradesh has declared 388 of its 688 mandals drought-affected. Follow this page for updates from IMD bulletins, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) and our reporters.

The India Meteorological Department's latest bulletin says Cyclone Arnab remains a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal, moving westwards at about 22 kmph.

It is tracking to cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28, with sustained winds of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph, the IMD said.

Air India has warned of possible flight disruptions at Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada airports as the cyclone approaches, according to airline advisories cited by The Times of India.

Train services on routes through the affected coastal stretch have also been cancelled, railway officials said.

Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have shut schools in coastal districts and restricted fishing operations ahead of the cyclone's landfall, officials said.

Odisha has deployed eight ministers to oversee preparations across six districts, with rescue teams mobilised for evacuations.