Cyclone Arnab Forms Over Bay of Bengal; Landfall Expected Near Andhra Coast

The deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm 'Arnab', according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system, which moved westwards at a speed of 15 kmph, was centered 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman Islands as of October 26, 2026. The IMD predicts the storm will move west-northwestwards, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26 and a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27. Landfall is expected between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28 with wind speeds reaching 115-125 kmph.

In preparation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has deputed eight ministers to vulnerable districts to oversee safety measures. In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance. The Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) has mobilized personnel and opened 41 control rooms, including 30 at the divisional level, to manage potential disruptions in Konaseema, Godavari, and Kakinada districts.

Fisheries departments and the Indian Coast Guard have successfully facilitated the return of over 4,800 fishing vessels to the Kakinada coast. Authorities have strictly advised fisherfolk against venturing into the sea. While no major rainfall was reported in Andhra Pradesh as of 8:30 a.m. on October 26, the IMD noted that the northeast monsoon continues to keep rainfall active across Tamil Nadu, with more showers expected until October 27.

What to watch: The storm's intensification into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.

Editor's note: The draft effectively integrates the provided information and follows the source material closely.