Bay of Bengal Depression Likely to Intensify Into Cyclone Arnab, Andhra Pradesh Braces for Landfall

Cyclone Arnab Likely to Hit Andhra Coast on October 28, IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday forecast that a depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclonic storm and make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast after noon on October 28.

The developing weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall across parts of India’s eastern coastline, stretching from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu, between October 28 and 30.

According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, the depression was located approximately 440 km north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and 880 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

The system is expected to move southwards on Sunday before strengthening into a deep depression. It could develop into a cyclonic storm over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal by Monday morning, followed by further intensification into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay by Tuesday morning.

By Wednesday afternoon, around the time of the anticipated landfall, the system could produce maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph, the weather department said.

Heavy Rain Forecast for Bengal and Coastal Regions

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Kolkata said the low-pressure system had become well-marked early Saturday.

Squally winds are expected along and off the West Bengal coast from Tuesday. Kolkata may experience light to moderate rainfall, while scattered areas of south Bengal could receive heavy to very heavy showers between October 28 and 30.

The storm has been named ‘Arnab’, a Bengali word meaning “ocean”. Bangladesh contributed the name to the World Meteorological Organization’s list of names for tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.

Schools Closed, Disaster Response Teams Deployed

Authorities in coastal states have begun precautionary measures in anticipation of the storm. Odisha has ordered the closure of schools in five districts, while preparations are underway in vulnerable areas.

Odisha has deployed around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 fire service teams to support emergency response and evacuation efforts if required.

In Andhra Pradesh, 12 districts have been placed on high alert: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Kakinada, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru and Polavaram.

With the storm potentially intensifying before reaching the coast, authorities are monitoring its movement and preparing for possible disruptions from strong winds and heavy rainfall.