Cyclone Arnab intensifies over Bay of Bengal; Andhra Pradesh coast on alert as Tamil Nadu gets rain

The deep depression over the east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm named "Arnab" (pronounced "Ornab"), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.

In its bulletin, the weather agency said the system had moved almost due west at a speed of about 15 km per hour during the preceding six hours before it strengthened into a cyclonic storm.

At the time of the update, the storm lay centred about 590 km north-west of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands), 650 km east-south-east of Visakhapatnam, 730 km east-south-east of Kakinada, 830 km east of Machilipatnam and 910 km east of Bapatla.

Landfall forecast

The IMD said the system is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph.

Very severe cyclonic storms are capable of causing heavy to very heavy rain, storm surges along the coast, localised flooding, and disruption to power supply, road transport and fishing activity in the affected districts.

Cyclones in the north Indian Ocean are named from a pre-agreed list drawn up by member countries of the World Meteorological Organization and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific panel, of which India is a part.

Andhra Pradesh steps up preparations

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday directed officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ensure comprehensive preparedness to minimise the impact of Cyclone Arnab and prevent loss of life.

Coastal districts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam are the areas identified by the IMD as being in the path of the system. Residents in these districts would be well advised to follow the instructions issued by district administrations, which typically include evacuation advisories for low-lying and coastal areas as the storm approaches.

Rain continues in Tamil Nadu

Meanwhile, rain continued to lash several parts of Tamil Nadu as the north-east monsoon remained active. The IMD said more showers are likely in the State till October 27.

The north-east monsoon, which runs roughly from October to December, brings the bulk of Tamil Nadu's annual rainfall and is a critical period for the State's agriculture and reservoir storage.

What readers should know

This is an evolving weather situation. Track positions, intensity forecasts and warnings can change between bulletins, and the IMD issues updates at regular intervals. Readers in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are advised to rely on official IMD bulletins and State government advisories rather than unverified social media posts.

Fishermen, coastal residents and travellers should check the latest warnings before venturing into the sea or planning travel along the affected coastline. Helpline numbers and control rooms set up by district administrations are the appropriate channels for assistance and information.

The IMD's next bulletins will be closely watched for any change in the storm's track, intensity or the timing of its expected landfall.