Bhubaneswar, October 26: Cyclone Arnab is intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns along the Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coasts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further intensification, with the system likely to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.

According to the IMD forecast, the cyclone is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28. Wind speeds at landfall could reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts up to 140 kmph.
 

Subject: Deep Depression intensified into Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” [Pronunciation : Ornab] over Eastcentral and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal [Cyclone Warning for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coasts—Red Message] The Deep Depression over Eastcentral and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards with a speed of 15 kmph during last 6 hours, intensified into cyclonic storm ““Arnab” [Pronunciation :Ornab]” and lay centered at 0530 hrs IST of today, the 26th October, 2026 over Eastcentral and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal near latitude 15.4°N and longitude 88.9°E, about 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (#Andaman Islands), 610 km southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha), 650 km east-southeast of Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 830 km east of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 910 km east of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh). It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over westcentral Bay of Bengal by midnight of today, the 26th October 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 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, 2026.

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 26, 2026

The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify further over the west-central Bay of Bengal. Its movement and intensity will determine the extent of its impact on coastal areas.

Heavy rain forecast for Odisha

The approaching system is likely to bring heavy rainfall to coastal and southern Odisha. According to the forecast outlined in the report, districts including Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur could experience strong winds and adverse weather conditions as the system moves inland or near the region.

The IMD has also indicated rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast, with distant cautionary signals in place at the state's ports.

Authorities are monitoring the developing weather system as preparations continue in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Residents in vulnerable areas, fishermen and people living along the coast should follow official advisories and updates from the IMD and local administration.

The cyclone's precise track and the intensity of its impact on Odisha will depend on its further movement and development.