Cyclone Arnab: Storm Weakens After Landfall in Andhra Pradesh, Heavy Rain Threatens Odisha, Bihar, UP and Other Parts of India
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New Delhi, October 30, 2026: Cyclone Arnab, which developed over the Bay of Bengal, emerged as a major weather threat to eastern India. The cyclone made landfall near the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, bringing strong winds, extremely heavy rainfall, flooding and disruptions to power and transport services.
Although the system has weakened considerably after moving inland, its impact has not completely disappeared. The remnants of the cyclone continue to influence weather conditions across parts of eastern and central India, with rainfall and thunderstorms expected in several regions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system weakened into a depression around October 29 and was located over areas near southern Odisha and southern Chhattisgarh.
1. How Did Cyclone Arnab Develop?
Cyclone Arnab originated as a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal on October 23, 2026.
The weather system gradually intensified as it moved over warm ocean waters.
- October 23: A low-pressure area developed over the southeast Bay of Bengal.
- October 26: The system intensified into Cyclone Arnab.
- October 27: It strengthened into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm.
- October 28: The cyclone made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
- October 29: It weakened into a depression over southern Odisha and adjoining southern Chhattisgarh.
The rapid intensification of the system made it a significant weather event for India’s eastern coastline.
2. Landfall: How Strong Were the Winds?
Cyclone Arnab brought powerful winds when it crossed the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
At the time of landfall, its maximum sustained wind speed was approximately 125–135 kmph, with gusts reaching around 150 kmph.
The landfall process reportedly began around 1 AM on October 28 and continued into the morning.
The cyclone crossed the coastal region near Narsapur, around the Yanam and Kakinada belt.
Normally, tropical cyclones begin weakening after moving over land because they lose their supply of moisture and energy from the sea. However, Arnab reportedly maintained considerable intensity for several hours after landfall.
3. Andhra Pradesh: Deaths, Power Disruptions and Damage
Andhra Pradesh was among the worst-affected states.
Coastal districts, including Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Konaseema and West Godavari, experienced strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Preliminary reports highlighted several impacts:
- At least six deaths were reported in cyclone-related incidents, with some subsequent reports mentioning seven.
- Approximately 15,000 electricity poles were damaged.
- Power and mobile network services were disrupted in several locations.
- Fallen trees blocked roads and affected transportation.
- Low-lying areas experienced waterlogging and flooding.
- Several houses and public infrastructure were damaged.
More than 1.80 lakh people were reportedly evacuated across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha combined.
The state administration has prioritised electricity restoration, road clearance and emergency assistance.
4. Odisha: Extremely Heavy Rainfall Creates Flood Concerns
Southern Odisha experienced significant rainfall associated with the cyclone’s remnants.
Districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri witnessed heavy rainfall, waterlogging and flooding.
According to reported rainfall figures for the 24-hour period ending October 29, some locations recorded exceptionally high rainfall.
| Location | Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Patrapur, Ganjam | 546 mm |
| Sorada, Ganjam | 503 mm |
| G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal | 462 mm |
| Mahendragarh, Gajapati | 458 mm |
| Sanakhemundi, Ganjam | 388 mm |
| Chikiti, Ganjam | 309 mm |
These figures highlight the intensity of rainfall experienced in certain areas.
More than 60,000 people were reportedly affected in Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Flooding also disrupted road connectivity in several locations.
NDRF, ODRAF and fire service personnel were deployed for rescue and relief operations.
5. Impact on Telangana and Chhattisgarh
The cyclone’s inland movement also affected neighbouring states.
Telangana: Northern and northeastern areas experienced increased rainfall activity. Waterlogging and localised flooding remained concerns in low-lying areas.
Chhattisgarh: Southern and central regions experienced heavy rainfall, particularly around the Bastar division. The system subsequently moved towards northern parts of the state.
The weakening cyclone continued to influence rainfall patterns even after losing its severe cyclonic intensity.
6. Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal: What to Expect?
The northward movement of the weather system has raised concerns across eastern India.
Bihar: Heavy rainfall was forecast in some areas on October 30, particularly in parts of northern Bihar.
Jharkhand: Some districts may experience rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds.
West Bengal: Gangetic West Bengal and coastal districts may experience rainfall and gusty winds.
North Bengal and Sikkim: Heavy to very heavy rainfall was forecast in parts of the sub-Himalayan region.
Continuous rainfall could increase the risk of waterlogging, rising river levels and disruption to road transportation.
7. Uttar Pradesh and Varanasi: Will Cyclone Arnab Affect Purvanchal?
Eastern Uttar Pradesh is also among the regions where changing weather conditions require attention.
According to the IMD forecast, parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh were expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 29, with further rainfall possibilities in northeastern Uttar Pradesh on October 30.
Cities and districts including Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Ballia and Ghazipur may experience changing weather conditions, cloudy skies and rainfall activity.
However, rainfall intensity will vary from district to district. Local forecasts and district-level IMD warnings should be followed for accurate information.
8. Delhi-NCR: Can the Cyclone Influence Northern India?
The impact of the weather system is not limited to India’s eastern coastline.
The remnants of the cyclone, along with other active weather systems, may contribute to unstable weather conditions across parts of northern India.
On October 30, thunderstorms, gusty winds and possible hailstorms were included in forecasts for parts of Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Chandigarh.
Delhi may experience cloudy conditions, rainfall and changes in temperature.
However, it is important to note that every rainfall event in northern India cannot be directly attributed to Cyclone Arnab. Western disturbances and other atmospheric systems may also contribute to these weather changes.
9. Northeast India: What About Assam, Meghalaya and Other States?
The northeastern region also needs to remain alert to changing weather conditions.
States including Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura may experience varying rainfall conditions.
The clearest heavy rainfall warnings in the available forecasts were for Sikkim and sub-Himalayan West Bengal. This does not mean that every northeastern state will experience the same intensity of rainfall.
In mountainous regions, prolonged rainfall can increase the risk of landslides, road blockages and rising river levels.
10. Another Low-Pressure System Developing Over the Bay of Bengal
One of the most important developments is the formation of another low-pressure system over the south Andaman Sea and adjoining areas.
According to the IMD bulletin dated October 29:
- October 29: A low-pressure area formed over the south Andaman Sea.
- Around October 31: It was expected to intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal.
- Following days: The system could move west-northwestward.
- Further movement: It was forecast to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
However, the system had not yet been officially classified as a new cyclone.
Its future intensity, direction and potential impact will depend on subsequent meteorological developments.
Southern Odisha may also experience another spell of heavy rainfall between November 1 and November 3, depending on the development and movement of this system.
11. Railway and Flight Services Affected
Cyclone Arnab also disrupted transportation services across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Railways cancelled several trains, diverted some services, and temporarily regulated operations to ensure passenger safety.
The Visakhapatnam–Bhubaneswar Vande Bharat and several other railway services were also affected.
Waterlogging around the Ichchapuram–Jadupudi railway section disrupted train operations.
Some trains remained cancelled or diverted as of October 30.
Railway authorities are assessing tracks, bridges and other infrastructure before restoring normal operations.
12. Government Preparedness and Rescue Operations
The central and state governments initiated preparedness measures before the cyclone made landfall.
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) reviewed the situation and received updates from meteorological authorities regarding the cyclone’s expected path and potential impact.
NDRF, SDRF, Indian Coast Guard, armed forces and other emergency agencies were kept on alert.
Evacuation operations, emergency shelters, medical assistance and restoration of essential services were prioritised in affected areas.
Restoring electricity, drinking water, roads and communication networks remains a major priority.
Conclusion: Cyclone Weakens, but Weather Challenges Continue Across India
Cyclone Arnab has weakened significantly after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast. However, its impact continues to be felt across several parts of eastern and central India.
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have experienced severe rainfall, flooding, infrastructure damage and transportation disruptions. Meanwhile, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and parts of Uttar Pradesh remain under changing weather conditions.
The possibility of another developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal adds further uncertainty to the coming days.
The situation highlights how a cyclone’s impact can extend far beyond its landfall location, affecting multiple states through rainfall, flooding and disruptions to essential services.
Disclaimer: This article is based on meteorological bulletins and publicly available reports up to October 30, 2026. Weather conditions may change rapidly. Readers should follow the latest official IMD alerts for district-specific updates.
