Cyclone Impact / Cyclone Arnab Weakens but Rain Fury Continues across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28: Cyclone Arnab, which crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast as a very severe cyclonic storm, has weakened into a severe cyclonic storm after making landfall near the Narsapur-Yanam region.

However, the weather system continues to pose a significant threat to Odisha, with heavy rainfall, gusty winds and possible flooding expected over the next 24 hours.

According to meteorological officials, the cyclone's centre is currently located about 20 km northeast of Narsapur and 40 km southwest of Yanam. During landfall, the system packed winds of 125-135 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph.

Also read: Cyclone Arnab Leaves Trail of Damage across Odisha

Cyclone Arnab is expected to move northwestwards and gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm within the next six hours before further weakening into a deep depression over the following six hours.

The system is forecast to move through Malkangiri district and towards Chhattisgarh by Wednesday evening. Authorities have issued a Red Alert for Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam and Gajapati districts. These areas are likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by wind speeds of 60-70 kmph and gusts of up to 80 kmph.

An Orange Alert has been issued for Kandhamal, Balangir, Nuapada, Sonepur, Baragada, Boudh, Kalahandi, Nayagada, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada and Bhadrak districts. Wind speeds of 40-50 kmph with gusts touching 60 kmph are likely along with heavy rainfall.

Bhubaneswar witnessed heavy showers at several locations, while winds of about 15 kmph were recorded in the city. The highest wind gust of 42.4 kmph was reported near the airport area. Gopalpur also experienced strong winds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph.

The India Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall activity will continue across the state over the next 24 hours, with Sundaragada, Jharsuguda and Baragada likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until Thursday, and all ports in Odisha continue to display Local Cautionary Signal No. 3. An Orange Alert has also been issued for 14 districts for the next three hours, warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph.