Cyclone Arnab Intensifies in Bay of Bengal: Key Updates

Cyclone Arnab has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. The system is tracking towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. Weather forecasters project that the system could intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm by the evening of October 27, 2026.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall on the morning of October 28, 2026. Authorities across eastern coastal states have initiated emergency measures. Odisha faces significant risk, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall expected across its southern districts.

To prevent accidents, Indian Railways has cancelled or curtailed several train services along affected coastal routes.

Key Nomenclature Frameworks:

1. Name Contribution: Bangladesh contributed the name Arnab (pronounced "Ornab") to the regional North Indian Ocean naming table.
2. WMO/ESCAP Panel Framework: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) panel introduced tropical cyclone naming in 2004. The current list, adopted in April 2020, contains 169 names contributed by 13 member nations (13 names per country).
3. Nodal Naming Authority: The Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) operated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in New Delhi names cyclonic storms over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. RSMC assigns names sequentially once systems reach cyclonic storm intensity (wind speeds exceeding 62 km/h). Each approved name is used only once.

Essential Meteorological & Disaster Management Concepts:

1. Tropical Cyclogenesis in the Bay of Bengal: Post-monsoon months (October to November) experience peak cyclonic activity in the North Indian Ocean. High sea surface temperatures (exceeding 28°C) combined with strong low-level moisture supply and low vertical wind shear trigger rapid storm intensification.
2. Naming Convention: Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMC)—including IMD New Delhi—name tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean using a pre-approved panel list submitted by 13 member nations of the WMO/ESCAP panel.
3. IMD Intensity Scale:
   • Cyclonic Storm: Sustained wind speeds of 62–87 km/h (34–47 knots).
   • Severe Cyclonic Storm: Sustained wind speeds of 88–117 km/h (48–63 knots).
   • Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: Sustained wind speeds of 118–166 km/h (64–89 knots).

Regional Impact: Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Readiness

The storm continues to draw moisture from the warm ocean surface, threatening coastal infrastructure, agriculture, and power grids.

Key Impact Developments:

• Andhra Pradesh Coast: Local administrations are preparing emergency shelters along low-lying coastal belts ahead of the scheduled October 28 landfall.
• Odisha Preparedness: Southern districts face heavy to extremely heavy precipitation. State authorities have activated emergency response teams to manage potential waterlogging and transport disruptions.

Safety Protocol and Travel Advisories

Public safety agencies emphasize adhering strictly to official weather bulletins during severe atmospheric disruptions:

• Railway Information: Passengers should verify train schedules on official railway portals before traveling across coastal lines.
• Civic Safety Measures: Residents in vulnerable zones must store essential medicines, clean drinking water, and dry food, while staying away from loose electrical wires and flooded roads.

Quick Revision Fact Sheet