Cyclone Arnab Alert: Winds Up to 140 Kmph, Heavy Rain and 53 Trains Cancelled Across 9 States

October 27, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): Cyclonic Storm Arnab over the Bay of Bengal is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, prompting weather alerts across nine states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several regions over the next few days. Around 53 trains have reportedly been cancelled on October 27 and 28 due to the cyclone threat, affecting rail services across parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Cyclone Arnab May Cross Andhra Pradesh Coast on October 28

According to the report, Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and could become more dangerous over the next 12 hours. It is expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28.

During landfall, sustained wind speeds are forecast to reach 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour.

The storm was centred over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central areas at 5:30 AM on Monday. It had moved westward at around 15 kilometres per hour during the preceding six hours.

Alerts Issued Across Nine States

Authorities have issued alerts for Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, eastern Madhya Pradesh and other vulnerable regions. Puducherry has also stepped up precautionary measures.

Officials are monitoring the cyclone’s projected path and preparing for heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible disruption to transport and daily life.

53 Trains Cancelled; Railway War Rooms Set Up

Around 53 trains have reportedly been cancelled for October 27 and 28 as a precautionary measure. The cancellations are affecting routes serving or passing through Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Machilipatnam, Narsapur, Bhimavaram, Kakinada Port, Guntur and Visakhapatnam.

The Railways has established round-the-clock war rooms to assist passengers and monitor the situation. Travellers are advised to check the latest train status with official railway sources before starting their journeys.

Heavy to Extremely Heavy Rain Forecast

The IMD forecast cited in the report warns of intense rainfall in several states:

• October 27–28: Extremely heavy rainfall is possible at some places in Odisha.
• October 28–29: Chhattisgarh may receive extremely heavy rainfall at some locations.
• October 28: Heavy rainfall is possible in parts of Telangana.
• October 29–30: Some areas of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh may receive heavy rainfall.
• October 29: Eastern Madhya Pradesh may experience very heavy rainfall.

The rainfall could lead to localised flooding and transport disruption in vulnerable areas.

Odisha Closes Educational Institutions in Six Districts

The Odisha government has announced the closure of educational institutions in six districts in view of the cyclone threat. Authorities have also begun moving people from vulnerable locations to safer places.

The state government expects the storm to have a significant impact on Odisha, even though its projected landfall is along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Yanam in Puducherry.

Wind gusts in Odisha may reach 80 kilometres per hour, according to the report. Fishing activities at sea and visits to hills, waterfalls, dams and tourist destinations have been restricted in six vulnerable districts.

The districts identified for precautionary measures are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur. Personnel and machinery have been positioned in advance to respond to emergencies.

Andhra Pradesh Deploys NDRF Teams

The Andhra Pradesh government has released Rs 27 crore to 20 districts for relief and response operations amid the cyclone threat.

Fifteen National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas ahead of the expected landfall on October 28.

Authorities have ordered precautionary closures of educational institutions in affected areas and restricted access to beaches. Movement on coastal roads is also scheduled to be stopped from Tuesday afternoon to protect residents.

To address possible drinking water shortages, 2,613 emergency water tankers have been kept ready for deployment as required.

Centre Reviews Cyclone Preparedness

The central government has intensified its monitoring of Cyclone Arnab. Cabinet Secretary Dr TV Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee in New Delhi on Monday to review preparedness by central agencies and potentially affected states.

Senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry briefed the committee on measures being taken to protect people along the storm’s projected path.

Authorities are coordinating evacuation plans, emergency response arrangements and other precautionary steps as the cyclone approaches the coast.

FAQ Section

1. What is Cyclone Arnab?

Cyclone Arnab is a storm over the Bay of Bengal that, according to the report, has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.

2. When is Cyclone Arnab expected to make landfall?

The storm is expected to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on October 28, 2026.

3. How fast could winds become during landfall?

Sustained winds may reach 115–125 kilometres per hour, with gusts of up to 140 kilometres per hour.

4. How many trains have reportedly been cancelled?

Around 53 trains have reportedly been cancelled on October 27 and 28 because of the cyclone threat.

5. Which railway routes may be affected?

Services serving or passing through Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Machilipatnam, Narsapur, Bhimavaram, Kakinada Port, Guntur and Visakhapatnam may be affected.

6. Which states are forecast to receive heavy rainfall?

The report identifies Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and eastern Madhya Pradesh among the areas facing heavy or extremely heavy rainfall forecasts.

7. What precautions has Odisha taken?

Odisha has ordered the closure of educational institutions in six districts, begun moving people from vulnerable areas and restricted fishing and visits to certain tourist locations.

8. What preparations has Andhra Pradesh made?

Andhra Pradesh has released Rs 27 crore to 20 districts, deployed 15 NDRF teams in vulnerable areas and kept 2,613 emergency water tankers ready.