Cyclone Arnab Begins Landfall Along Andhra Coast, Process To Continue For Next 4 Hours: IMD

Last Updated:October 28, 2026, 02:59 IST

The cyclone has begun affecting coastal areas, with several trees uprooted near the entrance to Yanam on National Highway 216 due to strong winds.

Andhra braces for a possible cyclone landfall with winds up to 140 kmph as IMD warns of heavy rain. (IMAGE: PTI FILE)

The landfall process of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab began along the Andhra Pradesh coast early on Wednesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that strong winds and heavy rain would continue as the storm moves inland.

The process began at around 1.20 am on October 28 near Yanam, close to Kakinada. The cyclone is crossing the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, south of Yanam, with sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph.

IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said the storm’s winds would remain intense for several hours.

“The wind speed of the cyclone will continue at the speed of 125 kmph to 135 kmph gusting 150 kmph for next four hours. The tip of the system has already entered the land mass and the entire process will take around four hours,” he said.

Trees Uprooted, Heavy Rain Continues

The cyclone has begun affecting coastal areas, with several trees uprooted near the entrance to Yanam on National Highway 216 due to strong winds, according to disaster management officials.

Rain also lashed several parts of Howrah district in West Bengal. The IMD said heavy rainfall and strong winds were expected across coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and parts of southern Odisha.

Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official safety advisories as the cyclone crosses the coast.

Andhra Pradesh On High Alert

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu continued to receive updates from officials on the storm’s movement, the Chief Minister’s Office said.

The state has identified 2,199 cyclone shelters and deployed 12 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 10 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams. Authorities have also prioritised evacuations for vulnerable residents, with 2,360 pregnant women moved to medical facilities ahead of the storm.

More than 8,400 personnel have been mobilised for power restoration, while police, fire and medical teams remain on alert.

Naidu urged residents to move to designated shelters when advised and asked fishermen not to venture into the sea until authorities issue clearance. He also advised people to keep essential supplies and charged mobile phones ready and stay away from floodwaters and fallen power lines.

(With inputs from agencies)

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When and where did Cyclone Arnab make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast?

The landfall process of very severe cyclonic storm Arnab began early on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at around 1:20 am near Yanam close to Kakinada, crossing the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.

What wind speeds and weather conditions were reported during Cyclone Arnab’s landfall?

The cyclone brought sustained wind speeds of 125 to 135 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph, alongside heavy rainfall and strong winds that uprooted trees and impacted coastal areas.

What precautionary measures and safety protocols were implemented by Andhra Pradesh authorities?

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s administration identified 2,199 cyclone shelters, deployed 12 NDRF and 10 SDRF teams, evacuated 2,360 pregnant women to medical facilities, and mobilised over 8,400 power restoration personnel.

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