Cyclonic Storm Arnab has formed over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal and is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on 28 October 2026.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, during the forenoon of 28 October. Maximum sustained winds are forecast to reach 115–125 km/h, with gusts of up to 140 km/h.
Expected Impact
- Wind conditions: Gale-force winds are forecast over the west-central Bay of Bengal, increasing to 115–125 km/h, with gusts of up to 140 km/h, by the morning of 28 October.
- Sea conditions: Sea conditions are expected to deteriorate to phenomenal along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts by the morning of 28 October, with wave heights of 14 metres or more indicated in the IMD’s impact assessment. Very rough to rough seas are also forecast along the South Odisha and North Tamil Nadu coasts.
- Heavy rainfall and flooding: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on 27–28 October, with potential flooding and disruption to road and rail transport.
- Storm surge: A storm surge of 1.0–1.5 metres above astronomical tide is forecast to affect low-lying coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, particularly around Kakinada and Yanam.
Operational Recommendations
Shipowners, operators, port authorities and offshore service providers are advised to:
- Monitor the latest IMD forecasts and local port authority notices.
- Review operational preparedness and assess potential restrictions on weather-sensitive marine activities.
- Exercise caution when planning vessel movements, pilotage, berthing and offshore operations in affected areas.
- Maintain communication with local agents and port authorities regarding any changes to port operations or vessel schedules.
Conditions are expected to begin improving after landfall on 28 October, with further gradual improvement forecast from 29 October. The timing and extent of any operational restrictions will depend on local conditions and subsequent official warnings.