In the waning days of October 2026, a swirling mass of warm sea‑air began to coalesce off the Bay of Bengal. Meteorologists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) tracked the developing system, noting its rapid intensification as it drew fuel from the warm waters. By the evening of October 27, the IMD had classified the storm as a very severe cyclonic storm, a classification that signals the potential for widespread damage.
The next morning, the IMD issued a red warning for heavy rainfall, covering the states of Odisha, Telangana, and Jharkhand. Red is the highest alert, indicating that the region should expect heavy rains, strong winds, and the possibility of flooding. The warning served as a clarion call for local authorities to mobilize resources and for residents to prepare for the onslaught.
Ministry of Civil Aviation reviews Cyclone "Arnab" situation and operational readiness 🔹In the light of IMD inputs that expects Cyclonic Storm "Arnab" to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October, with winds of 125–135 kmph and gusts up to 150 kmph, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) organised a review meeting to assess the situation and ensure aviation safety. 🔹Flights to and from coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha (including Bhubaneswar) are expected to be most affected. Hyderabad, Varanasi, Prayagraj and Gorakhpur may see knock-on delays depending on the storm's track. 🔹MoCA stressed on inter agency coordination between stakeholders like AAI, DGCA, BCAS, IMD, airline and airport operators, NDRF, disaster management authorities of AP, Odisha and WB and others to ensure passenger safety. Read here: https://t.co/2lOmsYUOQG @MoCA_GoI #CycloneArnab
Cyclone Arnab’s trajectory took it northwestward, threading its way along the coastline of Andhra Pradesh. The state’s coastal districts, already vulnerable to monsoon floods, faced the added threat of a powerful tropical cyclone.
Following the landfall, field teams began canvassing the affected areas.
At the moment of landfall, sustained winds ranged between 125 and 135 km/h, while gusts peaked at 150 km/h. These figures place Arnab — short for Arnab — among the more potent cyclones to strike the region in recent memory.
Cyclone Arnab bears down on Andhra Pradesh as landfall begins, with winds gusting up to 145 km/h and powerful storm surges threatening Kakinada and Yanam. Over 2,000 shelters opened and 22 NDRF-SDRF teams deployed as evacuations continue. @YakkatiSowmith brings us the latest from the storm-battered Uppada coast.
Alongside the wind, a one‑meter storm surge rose above the astronomical tide. For low‑lying coastal communities, even a meter of water can inundate homes, erode shorelines, and damage infrastructure. The surge compounded the risk of flooding, especially in areas where drainage systems are already strained.
As the storm battered the coast, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu convened an emergency meeting with state officials. In a brief statement, he directed the rapid deployment of relief teams, the opening of emergency shelters, and the assessment of crop damage. The CM’s swift action underscored the government’s recognition that timely intervention could mitigate the cyclone’s human and economic toll.
Cyclone Arnab: 391 power feeders damaged in Andhra Pradesh, no loss of life reported.
Following the landfall, field teams began canvassing the affected areas. Early reports highlighted extensive damage to agricultural fields, with many crops uprooted or flattened by the high winds. Infrastructure suffered as well: power lines were downed, and several low‑lying roads were rendered impassable by flooding.
The IMD’s weather department continued to issue advisories throughout the day, updating the public on the storm’s weakening trajectory. By the evening, the cyclone had downgraded from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm, reflecting a slight reduction in wind speeds. Nevertheless, the threat remained significant, and the department urged residents to remain vigilant.
While the storm’s physical impacts were evident, the human cost was equally pressing. Families displaced by the surge were relocated to temporary shelters, and medical teams were dispatched to treat injuries. The state’s emergency services worked around the clock to rescue stranded individuals and to restore essential services.
With the cyclone’s intensity waning, attention shifted to recovery. The government announced plans to repair damaged roads, restore power, and support farmers in replanting. The IMD continued to monitor the system as it moved inland, ensuring that any secondary hazards—such as landslides or secondary flooding—were promptly addressed.
Cyclone Arnab’s landfall in late October 2026 is a stark reminder of the increasing volatility of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. As global temperatures rise, the region’s sea‑surface temperatures climb, providing more energy for storms. For Andhra Pradesh and its neighboring states, the challenge lies in balancing rapid response with long‑term resilience building.