Cyclone Arnab: Red Alert Across Andhra Pradesh
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall warnings across Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Arnab approaches the eastern coast. Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are under yellow alert on Monday, October 26, 2026, while red alerts have been announced for several coastal districts on October 27 and 28. The cyclone is expected to bring intense rainfall, strong winds and possible flooding.
Cyclone Arnab Landfall Expected on October 28
The weather system was located over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 650 kilometres east-southeast of Visakhapatnam.
The IMD forecasts further intensification into a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday, October 27.
Cyclone Arnab is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday morning.
Maximum sustained winds could reach 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts approaching 140 kilometres per hour.
Andhra Pradesh Red Alert for October 27 and 28
Red alerts have been issued for Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru and Yanam on October 27.
Orange alerts cover Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Krishna, Guntur and several other districts.
On October 28, red alerts will extend to Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalli, NTR, Krishna and Guntur, alongside the Godavari-region districts.
Extremely heavy rainfall could disrupt transport, damage infrastructure and cause flooding in low-lying areas.
Andhra Pradesh Steps Up Cyclone Preparations
The state government has intensified emergency preparations, with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewing arrangements ahead of the anticipated landfall.
Emergency teams have been placed on alert, while authorities are preparing evacuation arrangements for vulnerable coastal communities.
Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the Bay of Bengal as sea conditions deteriorate.
Residents have been urged to follow official weather warnings and local administration instructions.
