Cyclone Arnab Landfall Near Yanam Expected by October 28
A cyclonic storm named Arnab, formed in the Bay of Bengal, is heading toward the Andhra Pradesh coast and is expected to make landfall near Yanam by the afternoon of October 28, according to the India Meteorological Department. The landfall zone lies between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. Wind speeds during the event may reach 135 km per hour, while gusts could reach 150 km per hour. Coastal weather is under close watch, and residents in these areas have been asked to stay alert.
The IMD has issued warnings for nine states, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Puducherry has also begun precautionary measures. Authorities have cancelled a number of flights and the railways have called off more than 90 trains. Schools and colleges have been closed in several districts of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha. Storms with heavy rain are also forecast in many states, including Delhi-NCR.
The storm is more than a weather bulletin. It is a major test for the safety, livelihoods and infrastructure of millions of people in coastal regions. Understanding how fast the cyclone could intensify, what damage it might cause and what preparations have been made is essential for citizens to take the right decisions.
Tracking the Storm
IMD officials say Arnab is moving west-northwest and is likely to shift northwest before landfall. Doppler weather radars at Visakhapatnam and Machilipatnam are continuously monitoring the system.
During the past eight hours, the cyclone has moved at around 20 km per hour toward the west-northwest. On October 27, 2026, it was roughly 170 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam, 180 km east-southeast of Kakinada, 270 km east of Machilipatnam, 350 km east of Bapatla and about 370 km south-southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha.
Railway Preparedness and Passenger Advisory
The South Central Railway's Vijayawada division has cancelled 53 local trains and 11 long-distance trains as a precaution, with more than 90 services affected in total. Additional Divisional Railway Manager P.E. Edwin said monitoring of railway tracks has been stepped up. Staff equipped with safety gear and communication systems have been deployed to ensure quick action in emergencies, and help booths have been set up for passengers. Officials have advised people to travel only if absolutely necessary, as weather conditions in coastal areas can change rapidly.