Cyclone Arnab Alert: Storm May Hit Andhra Pradesh on October 28, Odisha Issues Red Alert for Five Districts

Bhubaneswar, October 27, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Cyclone Arnab over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify further, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that it could develop into a very severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours. The storm is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of October 28, with wind speeds potentially reaching 140 kmph in gusts.

Authorities in Odisha have stepped up preparations as several districts face warnings for heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible landslides. The state is deploying 225 fire and emergency response teams and arranging more than 100 boats for rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been placed on alert.

Where Will Cyclone Arnab Make Landfall on October 28?

IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the weather system over the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Arnab on the morning of October 26. By afternoon, the storm was located in the central Bay of Bengal, approximately 650 kilometres from Kakinada.

According to the forecast, the system could intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27. It is expected to move west-northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam and Kakinada.

At landfall, sustained wind speeds are forecast to reach 115–125 kmph, with gusts of up to 140 kmph.

Red Alert in Five Odisha Districts on October 28

The IMD’s Bhubaneswar centre has warned that the cyclone’s effects may begin to be felt in Odisha on the evening or night of October 27. The heaviest rainfall is expected on October 28.

A red alert has been issued for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts for October 28. Some places in these districts could receive more than 20 centimetres of rain within 24 hours.

Prolonged heavy rainfall could cause waterlogging in low-lying areas, landslides in hilly regions and damage to vulnerable houses. Authorities have been asked to closely monitor settlements considered particularly vulnerable.

Orange Alert for Five Districts on October 27

According to IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty, the initial impact of the cyclone is likely to be more pronounced in Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput districts.

An orange alert has been issued for these districts, where rainfall of 12–20 centimetres is possible.

Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir.

In some southern districts, wind speeds may reach 40–50 kmph, with gusts of up to 60 kmph.

Cyclone Arnab Rainfall Forecast: October 27–30

Date	Districts or areas	Forecast
October 27	Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput	Rainfall of 12–20 cm possible; orange alert
October 28	Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri	More than 20 cm of rain possible at isolated places; red alert
October 28	Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Bargarh and Nuapada	Heavy to very heavy rainfall possible
October 29	Several districts of Odisha	Widespread rainfall may continue
October 30	Most parts of Odisha	Rainfall intensity is expected to decrease

What Is the Forecast for October 28 and 29?

The weather department expects widespread rainfall across Odisha on October 28. Apart from the five districts under the red alert, heavy to very heavy rain is possible in Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Balangir, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Bargarh and Nuapada.

Rainfall is likely to continue in several parts of the state on October 29, although its intensity may decrease considerably from October 30.

Continuous rainfall could raise water levels in rivers and streams. People living in low-lying and hilly areas have been advised to remain cautious.

Odisha Deploys 225 Fire Teams and More Than 100 Boats

The Odisha government has strengthened its emergency response arrangements ahead of the cyclone.

Dr Umashankar Das, Inspector General of Police in the Fire and Emergency Services Department, said six districts had been identified for special monitoring: Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Gajapati and Ganjam.

A total of 225 fire and emergency response teams are being deployed to these areas, along with specialised vehicles, modern rescue equipment and more than 100 boats.

A state-level command centre is operating round the clock to monitor weather conditions and rescue operations. Additional personnel and equipment may be sent to affected areas if required.

Schools and colleges in six districts of Odisha are also scheduled to remain closed on October 28 and 29 because of the cyclone threat.

NDRF Teams on Alert in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh

The NDRF has stepped up preparations in anticipation of the storm’s impact.

Santosh Kumar Paswan, second-in-command of the NDRF’s 3rd Battalion, said five teams had been deployed in Odisha. Four teams were assigned to Visakhapatnam, while another four were sent to Chhattisgarh.

He said the teams were equipped to respond quickly to emergencies, with additional personnel available for deployment if the situation required further assistance.

Sea Waves May Exceed 14 Metres; Fishermen Advised to Stay Away

The cyclone could also create dangerous conditions over the Bay of Bengal. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the sea was likely to become extremely rough on October 27, with wave heights potentially exceeding 14 metres in the open sea.

Along southern Odisha’s coast, wind speeds could reach 60–80 kmph, with gusts of up to 90 kmph.

Around East Godavari, Kakinada and Yanam along the northern Andhra Pradesh coast, sea levels could rise 1–1.5 metres above the normal tide. This could increase the risk of seawater entering low-lying coastal areas.

The weather department has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea and recommended suspending fishing activities in view of the dangerous conditions.

FAQ Section

1. When is Cyclone Arnab expected to make landfall?

Cyclone Arnab is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of October 28.

2. Where could Cyclone Arnab make landfall?

The storm is expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam and Kakinada.

3. How fast could winds blow during Cyclone Arnab?

Sustained winds may reach 115–125 kmph at landfall, with gusts of up to 140 kmph.

4. Which Odisha districts are under a red alert for October 28?

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are under a red alert for heavy rainfall.

5. Which districts are under an orange alert on October 27?

Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput are under an orange alert.

6. How many rescue teams are being deployed in Odisha?

The state is deploying 225 fire and emergency response teams and arranging more than 100 boats.

7. How many NDRF teams have been assigned to the affected regions?

Five teams have been deployed in Odisha, four assigned to Visakhapatnam and four sent to Chhattisgarh.

8. What precautions have been advised for fishermen?

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and fishing activities are recommended to be suspended because of dangerous sea conditions.