Cyclone Arnab crosses Andhra coast with gusts up to 150 kmph; heavy rain warning for Odisha and Chhattisgarh

Cyclone Arnab latest news, October 28, 2026: Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab completed its landfall across the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast on Wednesday morning. The India Meteorological Department said the cyclone crossed between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, southwest of Yanam, from 2 am to 8 am.

Maximum sustained winds during landfall were estimated at 125 to 135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. By 8:30 am the system had moved over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and weakened into a severe cyclonic storm, but the danger from rain, strong winds, waterlogging and flash floods had not ended.

What happened on the Andhra Pradesh coast

The IMD placed the cyclone's centre near 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur, 40 km southwest of Yanam and 60 km southwest of Kakinada after the landfall process ended. The system was expected to move north-northwestwards over land and weaken gradually.

Coastal districts experienced intense rain, gale-force winds and rough seas. Reports from the affected belt mentioned uprooted trees and damage to vulnerable structures, while authorities kept people away from low-lying coastal areas. The IMD had warned that the sea would remain dangerous even after the centre moved inland.

Residents should continue to follow district administration and disaster-management advisories. A completed landfall does not mean that heavy rain, falling trees or local flooding stop immediately.

Heavy rain warning for Odisha

South Odisha remained at high risk as Arnab moved inland. The IMD's Bhubaneswar office issued a red warning for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur. Heavy to very heavy rain was likely at a few places, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated locations. Winds of 60 to 70 kmph, gusting to around 80 kmph, were also forecast in parts of the region.

Odisha authorities kept schools and Anganwadi centres closed in 16 districts as a precaution. Evacuations continued in low-lying and landslide-prone areas, and cyclone shelters were prepared with food, drinking water and other supplies. Fishermen were advised not to enter the sea until the warning was withdrawn.

Schools closed in parts of Chhattisgarh

The cyclone's inland track also brought a serious rain warning for southern Chhattisgarh. The IMD forecast isolated extremely heavy rain in the state on October 28, along with squally winds in parts of Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur and Bastar.

District administrations in Sukma and Dantewada declared a holiday for students on October 28. The Dantewada order covered government and private schools as well as Anganwadi centres. Other districts in the Bastar division also increased flood preparedness, identified temporary shelters and kept rescue teams on standby.

Forecast for October 29

The IMD forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, eastern Madhya Pradesh and eastern Uttar Pradesh on October 29. Odisha and Chhattisgarh were expected to remain among the main areas of concern as the weakened system moved farther inland.

Weather conditions can differ sharply from one district to another. Residents should use the latest district-level warning rather than relying only on a statewide forecast or a satellite image.

Train services affected

Railway authorities announced several rounds of precautionary cancellations for October 27 and 28. One published list covered 64 services, including 53 passenger and other services on the coastal Andhra Pradesh network and 11 express or special trains connecting Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The operational position may change as tracks are inspected and weather conditions improve. Passengers should check their train number through the National Train Enquiry System, RailOne app or railway helpline 139 before leaving for the station.

Safety advice

• Avoid unnecessary travel during intense rain or strong winds.
• Stay away from beaches, riverbanks, fallen trees and electricity poles.
• Do not drive through flooded roads or moving water.
• Follow evacuation instructions issued by district authorities.
• Verify school closures and train cancellations through official channels.
• Keep phones charged and essential medicines, drinking water and documents ready.

The latest official weather bulletins are available on the IMD website. This article was updated after the landfall process was completed on October 28.

Sources

• India Meteorological Department national bulletin
• ANI report quoting the IMD landfall update
• The Indian Express report on evacuations and Odisha closures