Cyclone Arnab to Hit Andhra Coast with 150 kmph Gusts, Heavy Rainfall
Visakhapatnam: Cyclone 'Arnab' is expected to make landfall near Visakhapatnam early Wednesday, between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. During the storm, wind speeds are projected to reach 125–135 kmph, with gusts potentially hitting 150 kmph.
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have prepared approximately 4,000 cyclone shelters and relocated thousands of people to safer areas. The railways have cancelled 50 trains, while 21 flights have been called off at the Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports.
Odisha has been experiencing heavy rainfall since Tuesday, leading to the closure of schools across 16 districts. More than 30,000 people have been moved to safer locations.
Flood Situation in Coastal Areas
In Andhra Pradesh, strong winds, heavy rain, and high tidal waves have impacted several coastal regions. In Kakinada, a coastal road was submerged and damaged by high tidal waves.
Severe weather conditions were also reported in Amadalavalasa and other parts of the state. In Yanam, the Savitri Nagar area was affected by the ingress of seawater; following this, Puducherry Minister Malladi Krishna Rao assessed the situation.
In the Khordha district of Odisha, high tidal waves were observed near the 'Maa Kalijai Temple', located on an island in Chilika Lake. The impact of this cyclone is expected to extend beyond the coastal states, potentially bringing rain to parts of central, eastern, and southern India. A 'yellow alert' has been issued for several regions—including Jharkhand, Vidarbha, and Telangana—as well as for parts of Northeast and North India.