Andhra Pradesh, October 28, 2026: Cyclone Arnab continued to impact the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday, bringing torrential rainfall, powerful winds and dangerous sea conditions. The very severe cyclonic storm began making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast early in the morning, disrupting normal life across several coastal districts.
According to reports citing the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone’s centre remained close to the coastline, and the landfall process was expected to continue for several hours. Coastal areas faced the risk of flooding, falling trees, damage to electricity infrastructure and disruption to road and transport services.
Authorities had placed vulnerable districts on high alert and carried out large-scale evacuations before the cyclone reached the coast.
Cyclone Arnab Latest Update: Landfall Process Continues
Cyclone Arnab intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal before moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. The storm approached the coastline near the stretch between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam.
The IMD forecast sustained wind speeds of approximately 115–135 kmph, with gusts potentially reaching 140–150 kmph in some reports and forecast periods. The intensity of the winds posed a serious threat to houses with weak structures, electric poles, trees, communication networks and coastal infrastructure.
As the cyclone moved closer to land, its outer rain bands began affecting coastal locations. The landfall process was reported to be progressing slowly, with the cyclone’s centre remaining close to the coast.
Weather conditions were expected to remain dangerous during the landfall period, particularly in exposed coastal locations and low-lying areas.
Heavy Rainfall Hits Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Nearby Districts
Heavy rainfall and strong winds affected several parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Anakapalli and Konaseema were among the areas reporting adverse weather conditions.
Continuous rainfall raised concerns about waterlogging, flooding and disruption to traffic. In some locations, strong winds uprooted trees and damaged power infrastructure, while inundated roads created difficulties for residents and emergency response teams.
Kakinada also faced flooding concerns as heavy rainfall and coastal water conditions affected low-lying areas. Reports indicated that rescue operations were undertaken for people stranded by floodwaters.
The combination of intense rainfall, powerful gusts and potentially rising coastal water levels increased the risk of localised flooding and damage to property.
Andhra Pradesh Government on High Alert
The Andhra Pradesh government had taken precautionary measures ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. Officials arranged evacuation operations, opened cyclone shelters and deployed emergency personnel in vulnerable areas.
According to reports published before landfall, more than 89,000 people had been evacuated in Andhra Pradesh, while neighbouring Odisha also moved residents away from vulnerable locations. Combined evacuation figures across the two states exceeded 180,000 in subsequent reports.
The state administration also arranged medical teams, ambulances, emergency beds and essential supplies to support people affected by the storm.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the preparedness and response arrangements with officials. He directed authorities to ensure that relief camps had essential supplies, clear fallen trees as soon as conditions permitted and restore electricity safely after the cyclone’s intensity reduced.
Officials were also instructed to monitor water levels in tanks and canals to reduce the risk of overflowing and flooding.
Power Supply and Transport Services Disrupted
Power supply was suspended in some affected areas as a precautionary measure or because of damage to electrical infrastructure. Strong winds and falling trees also created obstacles on roads and increased the workload for emergency and restoration teams.
Railway services and flights experienced cancellations ahead of the cyclone’s arrival. These disruptions affected passengers travelling to and from parts of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
Residents were advised to check official railway, airline and local administration updates before travelling. Restoration of transport and electricity services would depend on weather conditions, damage assessments and the safety of repair operations.
Risk of Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge
Cyclones can produce dangerous sea conditions through a combination of strong winds, high waves and storm surge. A storm surge is an abnormal rise in seawater above the normal astronomical tide, which can push water into low-lying coastal areas.
Forecasts issued ahead of Arnab’s landfall warned that vulnerable parts of the Andhra Pradesh coast could experience a storm surge of around 1–1.5 metres above the normal tide. Actual inundation can vary according to the coastline’s shape, local elevation, tide levels and the cyclone’s movement.
Residents living near beaches, estuaries, river mouths and low-lying coastal settlements were advised to follow evacuation instructions and avoid entering flooded areas.
Odisha Also Faces Heavy Rain and Strong Winds
The effects of Cyclone Arnab extended beyond Andhra Pradesh, with southern Odisha experiencing heavy rain and gusty winds.
Authorities in Odisha had also undertaken precautionary evacuations and prepared cyclone shelters. Rainfall and strong winds threatened to disrupt local transport, damage trees and power lines, and create difficulties in vulnerable communities.
Residents in districts under weather alerts were advised to remain indoors during severe conditions and follow instructions issued by local officials.
Safety Advisory: What Should Residents Do?
During the cyclone and its immediate aftermath, residents should prioritise personal safety and follow instructions from disaster management authorities.
Key precautions include:
- Stay indoors and away from windows during strong winds.
- Do not venture into the sea, rivers, flooded roads or waterlogged areas.
- Follow evacuation instructions issued by district authorities.
- Keep drinking water, essential medicines, food, a torch and a charged mobile phone ready.
- Stay away from fallen electric wires, damaged poles and water near electrical installations.
- Avoid unnecessary travel until roads and transport services are declared safe.
- Do not spread unverified information about casualties, damage or evacuation orders.
- Contact emergency services if someone is trapped or requires urgent assistance.
People should rely on official IMD bulletins, Andhra Pradesh disaster management advisories and district administration announcements for location-specific warnings.
What Happens After Cyclone Arnab Makes Landfall?
Even after a cyclone crosses the coast, dangerous weather may continue for several hours. Heavy rainfall, gusty winds, flooding and drainage problems can persist after the storm’s centre moves inland.
Emergency teams will need to assess damage, remove fallen trees, restore electricity and communications, and provide assistance to affected residents. Authorities will also need to monitor water levels and identify areas where flooding could worsen.
Residents should not assume that conditions are safe immediately after the winds weaken. Damaged buildings, unstable trees, exposed electrical wires and fast-moving floodwater can remain dangerous.
Conclusion
Cyclone Arnab has brought severe weather conditions to Andhra Pradesh’s coastline, with heavy rainfall, powerful winds and flooding concerns affecting several districts. Government agencies and emergency teams have been working to protect residents, manage evacuations and prepare for restoration operations.
The immediate priority remains public safety, timely emergency assistance and the restoration of essential services. Residents in Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and neighbouring Odisha should continue monitoring official weather bulletins and follow local authorities’ instructions until conditions improve.
Stay connected with BHARAT.EXPRESS for the latest news, weather updates and important developments from across India.
Editorial note: Cyclone conditions and damage reports can change rapidly. Figures in this article reflect reports available on October 28, 2026, and should be updated against the latest official bulletins before publication.
