Cyclone Arnab has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and may become a very severe cyclonic storm by October 27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday. The storm is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on the morning of October 28.
The IMD said the cyclone could bring winds of up to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph. It is likely to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
The weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28. Some areas may receive extremely heavy rain. Rainfall is also likely in parts of these regions on October 29.
Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, urged people to remain alert over the next three days.
He asked residents, especially those in coastal areas, to follow official weather warnings and take safety steps.
Authorities are closely tracking the cyclone as it moves towards the coast.
