Weather Alert / Cyclone Arnab Likely to Hit Andhra Coast on October 28 as Bay of Bengal Storm Intensifies

Bhubaneswar, Oct 25: A low-pressure system over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified and is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm in the coming days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system has been moving southeastward at a speed of 8 km per hour over the past six hours.

As of the latest update, the depression was located about 470 km north-northwest of Port Blair, 860 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 950 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 1,060 km east of Machilipatnam, and 1,130 km east of Bapatla.

Also read: Ganjam Braces for Cyclone Arnab: Administration Cancels Leave, Sets Up Shelters

Forecasts suggest that by October 25, the system will intensify into a deep depression while moving southward. Subsequently, it is expected to shift direction towards the west-northwest, strengthening further.

By October 26 morning, the system may evolve into a cyclonic storm over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal.

The IMD projects that by October 27 morning, the storm could intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal. Continuing its northwestward trajectory, it may further strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm.

By October 28 morning, the system is likely to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast near the west-central Bay of Bengal.

Landfall is expected between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around October 28 forenoon, with wind speeds reaching 115-125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h.

Pre-cyclone alerts have been issued for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts, with authorities urging preparedness for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible disruptions.