IBNS-CMEDIA: Satellite images have captured Cyclone Arnab swirling over the Bay of Bengal as the storm intensifies and moves towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red-level cyclone warning for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining parts of southern Odisha.
The images show tightly wound cloud bands and a clearly defined central circulation over the Bay of Bengal, highlighting the organised structure of the developing storm.
They also provide a view of its position in relation to India’s eastern coastline as it continues to strengthen.
According to the IMD, Cyclonic Storm Arnab, pronounced ‘Ornab’, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26 and further strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.
The weather department has forecast that the cyclone will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.
At the time of landfall, the storm is expected to generate maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph, the IMD said.
Cyclone Arnab’s position over BoB
In its bulletin issued at 5.30 am on October 26, the IMD located Cyclone Arnab over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, near latitude 15.4°N and longitude 88.9°E.
The storm was approximately 610 km south-east of Gopalpur in Odisha and 650 km east-south-east of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
The weather system had moved westwards at around 15 kmph during the preceding six hours, strengthening from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm, according to the bulletin.
The IMD expects Arnab to continue moving west-north-westwards before changing direction towards the north-west and heading for the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The storm’s projected movement and increasing intensity have placed coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha under heightened weather alert.
IMD issues red alert
The IMD’s red-level warning signals the need for heightened preparedness in coastal areas potentially affected by the cyclone.
With sustained winds forecast to reach 115–125 kmph and gusts potentially reaching 140 kmph, the storm could threaten coastal infrastructure, power lines, trees and temporary structures.
Strong winds and deteriorating sea conditions could also disrupt fishing and other maritime activities. Heavy rainfall associated with the cyclone may create further risks in affected areas.
The extent of the impact will depend on the cyclone’s eventual track, intensity and conditions when it reaches the coast.
Authorities and residents in vulnerable districts have been urged, according to the supplied report, to follow official weather advisories and evacuation instructions.
Landfall expected on October 28
The IMD’s forecast places the likely landfall window on the forenoon of October 28, with the cyclone expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam.
Before reaching the coast, Arnab is forecast to strengthen over the Bay of Bengal, potentially becoming a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27.
