Cyclone Arnab is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, as a very severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 125–135 kmph and gusts reaching up to 150 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday.
IMD officials said the cyclone, which intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm early Tuesday, is expected to move west-northwestwards before turning northwestwards towards the coast.
IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty said the system was located around 380 km south of Gopalpur and was likely to maintain its intensity at the time of landfall.
Heavy Rainfall Forecast for Odisha
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Odisha on Tuesday, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places. Similar conditions are expected on Wednesday, with extremely heavy rainfall likely at isolated locations.
Mohanty also warned of intense thunderstorms and lightning and urged people to take necessary precautions.
Cyclone Intensifies Over Western Bay of Bengal
IMD Cyclone Warning Centre Director P. L. N. Murthy said the severe cyclonic storm over the western Bay of Bengal moved westwards at a speed of 23 kmph on Monday before intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm at 2:30 am on Tuesday.
The system is expected to continue moving west-northwestwards before turning northwestwards and crossing the coast near Yanam.
At landfall, maximum sustained wind speeds are likely to reach 125–135 kmph, with gusts up to 150 kmph.
Fishermen Advised to Stay Away from Sea
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea until the morning of October 30 in view of the cyclone and the prevailing weather conditions.
Port authorities along the coast have also been issued warnings based on the expected impact of the storm.
Kakinada port has been placed under Great Danger Signal GD-10, while Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports have been issued GD-9 warnings. Machilipatnam and Nizampatnam ports have been placed under GD-8, while Kalingapatnam, Krishnapatnam and Vadarevu ports have been issued Local Cautionary Signal LC-3.
-ANI
