Bhubaneswar, October 26: Cyclonic storm Arnab, currently positioned around 550 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha, is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27, before crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on October 28, according to the latest weather bulletin.

According to the IMD, the cyclonic storm over the west-central and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards at a speed of 13 kmph during the past six hours, and was centred at 11.30 am IST on Monday.

Also Read: Cyclone Arnab: National Crisis Committee reviews preparedness

“The cyclonic storm “Arnab” over Eastcentral and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards with a speed of 13 kmph during last 6 hours, and lay centered at 1130 hrs IST of today, the 26th October, 2026 over Westcentral and adjoining Eastcentral near latitude 15.5°N and longitude 88.2°E, 550 km southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha), 580 km east-southeast of Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 650 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands), 660 km east-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 760 km east-southeast of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 830 km east-southeast of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh),” the latest IMD bulletin said.

According to the forecast, the system is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over westcentral Bay of Bengal by today evening and into a very severe cyclonic storm over the same region on 27th October.

“Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Andhra Pradesh & Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam close to Yanam as a very severe cyclonic storm with the maximum sustained wind speed of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph by forenoon of 28th October,” it stated.

With the system expected to intensify further over the coming days, coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining regions will need to closely monitor subsequent weather bulletins and official advisories.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government stepped up preparations, mobilising personnel and equipment, while Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi deputed eight ministers to vulnerable districts.

The government has issued a red alert for five vulnerable southern districts - Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri - for October 28. These districts could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy downpours exceeding 20 cm. The rainfall is likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 60-70 kmph.