Bhubaneswar, October 27: Cyclone Arnab is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, as a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned on Tuesday.

According to IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty, the cyclone was located approximately 380 km south of Gopalpur and was expected to move west-northwestwards until the evening of October 27 before changing direction towards the northwest.

“The cyclone is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, very close to Yanam, as a very severe cyclonic storm. It is likely to maintain its intensity at the time of landfall,” Mohanty said.

The IMD has also forecast widespread rainfall across Odisha, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places on Tuesday and Wednesday. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations on Wednesday, accompanied by intense thunderstorms and lightning.

Mohanty urged people to remain alert and take necessary precautions in view of the adverse weather conditions. Authorities are monitoring the situation as the approaching cyclone is expected to affect coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.

Meanwhile, P L N Murthy, Director of the IMD's Cyclone Warning Centre, said the severe cyclonic storm over the western Bay of Bengal had moved westwards at a speed of 23 kmph on Monday before intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm at 2:30 am on Tuesday.

The system is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards before turning northwestwards and making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Yanam.

Murthy reiterated that wind speeds during landfall could reach 125–135 kmph, with gusts of up to 150 kmph, posing a significant threat to coastal communities, infrastructure and maritime activities.

As a precautionary measure, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until the morning of October 30. The warning is aimed at preventing accidents as rough sea conditions and strong winds are expected in the affected areas.

The department has also issued warnings to several ports along the Andhra Pradesh and adjoining coasts. Kakinada port has been placed under Great Danger Signal 10 (GD-10), while Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports have been issued GD-9 signals. Machilipatnam and Nizampatnam ports have been placed under Great Danger Signal 8 (GD-8).

Meanwhile, Kalingapatnam, Krishnapatnam and Vadarevu ports have been issued Local Cautionary Signal 3 (LC-3).

The IMD has urged residents in vulnerable coastal areas to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and remain prepared for possible disruptions caused by heavy rainfall, strong winds and coastal hazards.

With Cyclone Arnab expected to maintain its intensity until landfall, authorities are closely monitoring its movement and have called for heightened vigilance across the affected regions.