New Delhi, 27 October 2026: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” is closing in on the Andhra Pradesh coast, India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Message for coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha. Landfall is expected on the forenoon of 28 October, close to Yanam, putting the fish and shrimp farming districts of the Godavari and Krishna delta region in the storm’s path.
Landfall and winds
The cyclone lay about 220 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 240 km east-southeast of Kakinada at 0830 hrs on 27 October. It is expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam. Winds will peak at 150-160 kmph, gusting to 180 kmph, on 27 October, easing to 125-135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph, at landfall. Coastal districts from Anakapalli to Bapatla may still see gales of 90-100 kmph on the evening of 28 October.
Surge, rain and sea conditions
IMD expects a storm surge of 1.0 to 2.0 metres above astronomical tide to inundate low-lying areas at landfall, with the peak near Kakinada and Yanam. It also warns of damage to embankments and salt pans, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Coastal Andhra Pradesh can expect heavy to very heavy rain at a few places and extremely heavy rain (21 cm or more) at isolated places on 27 and 28 October. Sea conditions will turn “phenomenal”, with waves of 14 metres or more, from the night of 27 October until landfall.
Fishing suspended
IMD has called for total suspension of fishing and offshore and onshore operations in coastal Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen should not venture into the west-central Bay of Bengal or along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coasts from 27 to 29 October. Small boats may get detached from moorings. IMD recommends evacuating coastal areas and moving coastal hutment dwellers to safer places.
Source: India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Press Release-5 dated 27 October 2026.
