# Cyclone Arnab intensification and landfall preparations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bay-of-bengal-weather-system-intensification
> Updated: 2026-10-27T04:22:20.000Z. Sources: 95. Developments: 4.

Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal. It is forecast to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts, specifically between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, on the morning of October 28, 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts maximum sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 140 kmph.

In Odisha, the government has released ₹19 crore for relief operations, including ₹5 crore for Ganjam and ₹2 crore each for Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal. The state has established over 1,735 shelters. In Gajapati, 15,000 people have been identified for precautionary evacuation, and 210 pregnant women due to deliver within 15 days are being relocated to maternity homes. Rescue teams from the NDRF and ODRAF have been pre-positioned in southern districts to manage landslides and heavy rainfall.

Odisha is already experiencing heavy rainfall and strong winds, with the IMD forecasting 12 to 20 cm of precipitation in districts such as Puri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri. A yellow alert is in place for 16 other districts, including Cuttack and Khurda. In Andhra Pradesh, the State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has warned of heavy rain and strong winds in Srikakulam and northern coastal districts. 

Significant transportation disruptions have emerged. South Coast Railway has announced the cancellation or short termination of 61 trains, and Air India has issued a travel advisory for flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

## Claims

- Eight NDRF teams have been deployed across Odisha. (disputed by 4 sources)
- Odisha has deployed 302 relief and rescue teams, including 60 ODRAF and 17 NDRF teams. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Odisha has prepared 302 rescue teams including NDRF, SDRF, and fire services. (disputed)
- Odisha has deployed 294 rescue teams, including 9 NDRF and 60 SDRF teams. (disputed)
- The system is expected to intensify into Cyclone Arnab by October 26. (corroborated by 44 sources)
- Landfall is expected on the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28. (corroborated by 35 sources)
- Maximum sustained winds at landfall are forecast to be 115–125 kmph with gusts up to 140 kmph. (corroborated by 28 sources)
- Wind gusts may reach up to 140 kmph. (corroborated by 26 sources)
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to remain on high alert. (corroborated by 12 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Cyclone Arnab approaches Andhra Pradesh coast with high wind warnings

Cyclone Arnab is projected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, bringing winds up to 140 km/h and heavy rainfall across Odisha and several other Indian states.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyclone-arnab-approaches-andhra-pradesh-coast-with-high-wind-warnings

### 2026-10-26: Odisha prepares for Cyclone Arnab with mass evacuations and relief funds

Odisha is bracing for Cyclone Arnab by preparing 1,735 shelters and releasing Rs 19 crore in relief funds. In Gajapati, 15,000 people are being evacuated to ensure safety ahead of the storm.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/odisha-prepares-for-cyclone-arnab-with-mass-evacuations-and-relief-funds

### 2026-10-24: Cyclone Arnab forecast to make landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28

Cyclone Arnab is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast on October 28 as a very severe cyclonic storm, prompting mass evacuations and school closures in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

90 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bay-of-bengal-depression-projected-to-become-severe-cyclone

### 2026-10-12: Bay of Bengal low pressure threatens rain in Bangladesh

A low-pressure system is forming in the southeastern Bay of Bengal, bringing potential rain and thunderstorms to the Chattogram, Khulna, and Barisal divisions in Bangladesh.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bay-of-bengal-low-pressure-threatens-rain-in-bangladesh

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Cite as: Cyclone Arnab intensification and landfall preparations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bay-of-bengal-weather-system-intensification