India’s east coast is bracing for a powerful cyclone. A weather system over the Bay of Bengal — already being referred to as Cyclone Arnab — is forecast to strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm and reach the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of October 28, bringing extremely heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas to Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Cyclone Arnab is expected to reach India’s east coast on October 28 after strengthening over the Bay of Bengal. Red alerts for extremely heavy rain cover districts in Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, and fishermen have been told to stay ashore.
How the storm is developing
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been tracking the system over the east-central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal. It is expected to become a deep depression on October 25, a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26 and a severe cyclonic storm on October 27, before intensifying further into a very severe cyclonic storm near the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.
Forecasters differ on the exact landfall point and peak strength, and both remain uncertain. Current guidance points to a crossing of the Andhra Pradesh coast, with some forecasts placing it between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam and others describing the wider north Andhra Pradesh to south Odisha stretch. What is not in doubt is the rainfall threat: the IMD has issued red warnings — its highest level — for extremely heavy rain in several districts across the two states on October 27 and 28.
Along the coast, authorities expect squally winds, high waves and a possible storm surge of one to two metres in exposed stretches, with waterlogging, flooding, crop damage and disruption to roads, power and transport possible in low-lying areas.
States on alert
In Odisha, the government has cancelled leave for disaster-response staff, opened control rooms and readied cyclone shelters, with rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force and the state force placed on standby for coastal and southern districts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed officials to put public safety first, reiterating the government’s “zero-casualty objective”.
In Andhra Pradesh, the State Disaster Management Authority has urged residents and farmers in vulnerable areas to take precautions, follow official bulletins and obey any evacuation instructions. Fishermen at sea have been advised to return to shore and not venture out as conditions worsen. Emergency helplines, including 112 and the disaster-management helpline 1070, have been publicised for residents who need help.
Why it matters
The Bay of Bengal’s post-monsoon season is its most dangerous for cyclones, and India’s eastern coastline — densely populated, low-lying in places and dependent on fishing and farming — is repeatedly in their path. The difference between a storm that causes disruption and one that causes disaster is often decided in the days before landfall: whether warnings reach the right districts, whether shelters are open, and whether people in harm’s way move in time.
What happens next
The IMD will update its track and intensity forecasts as the system strengthens, and the landfall point should narrow as October 28 approaches. State authorities are expected to step up evacuations from the most exposed coastal pockets if the forecast holds, and further rainfall warnings may be extended inland as the storm moves after landfall.
Residents in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha should follow IMD bulletins and local administration instructions rather than social-media rumours, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. This article will be updated as official information is released.
Sources
- Republic World — “‘Very Severe Storm’: IMD Issues Red Alert in Odisha Ahead of Cyclone Arnab” (Oct 25, 2026)
- The Week — “IMD’s cyclone alert for Andhra, Odisha: Which states will get rainfall on October 26, 27?” (Oct 25, 2026)
- Gujarat Samachar (English) — “Odisha Cyclone Alert: IMD Issues Red Warning for Heavy Rain in 6 Districts” (Oct 25, 2026)
- MENAFN / AsiaNet News — “Cyclone Alert: IMD Warns Andhra Pradesh, South Odisha Coasts, Landfall Likely On October 28” (Oct 25, 2026)
