Cyclone Arnab: Landfall Continues Along Andhra Coast, Says IMD
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Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab continued its landfall process along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning, bringing powerful winds, torrential rainfall and hazardous sea conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of significant disruption across coastal districts, particularly around Kakinada, Yanam and the Godavari delta.
According to the latest reported IMD assessment, the cyclone maintained maximum sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 150 kilometres per hour. The system was moving northwestwards at approximately 3 kilometres per hour and was expected to turn north-northwestwards as the landfall process progressed.
The cyclone began crossing the coastline near Yanam during the early hours of Wednesday. The IMD indicated that the landfall process could continue for several hours, exposing coastal communities to prolonged strong winds and intense rainfall.
The weather agency forecast storm surges of 1.5–2.5 metres above astronomical tide levels along vulnerable coastal stretches, with higher surges of 2–3.5 metres possible near the Godavari river mouth. Low-lying settlements faced risks of seawater inundation.
Strong winds reportedly uprooted trees in Yanam and Visakhapatnam, disrupting road movement. Authorities maintained heightened vigilance as heavy rainfall affected several coastal areas.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to coordinate emergency operations, precautionary evacuations and relief measures. Disaster response teams remained deployed in vulnerable districts, while adverse weather conditions disrupted aviation services.
Neighbouring Odisha also faced warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds and rough sea conditions.
Authorities advised residents to avoid coastal areas, suspend unnecessary travel and follow official evacuation instructions until conditions improved.
The IMD continued monitoring the cyclone's movement and intensity, with further bulletins expected to clarify the progress of landfall and associated weather risks.
Accuracy Note: The latest verified landfall assessment referenced here was reported at 6:02 am IST on October 28. Subsequent changes in cyclone intensity, position or landfall status have not been independently confirmed.
According to the latest reported IMD assessment, the cyclone maintained maximum sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 150 kilometres per hour. The system was moving northwestwards at approximately 3 kilometres per hour and was expected to turn north-northwestwards as the landfall process progressed.
The cyclone began crossing the coastline near Yanam during the early hours of Wednesday. The IMD indicated that the landfall process could continue for several hours, exposing coastal communities to prolonged strong winds and intense rainfall.
The weather agency forecast storm surges of 1.5–2.5 metres above astronomical tide levels along vulnerable coastal stretches, with higher surges of 2–3.5 metres possible near the Godavari river mouth. Low-lying settlements faced risks of seawater inundation.
Strong winds reportedly uprooted trees in Yanam and Visakhapatnam, disrupting road movement. Authorities maintained heightened vigilance as heavy rainfall affected several coastal areas.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to coordinate emergency operations, precautionary evacuations and relief measures. Disaster response teams remained deployed in vulnerable districts, while adverse weather conditions disrupted aviation services.
Neighbouring Odisha also faced warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds and rough sea conditions.
Authorities advised residents to avoid coastal areas, suspend unnecessary travel and follow official evacuation instructions until conditions improved.
The IMD continued monitoring the cyclone's movement and intensity, with further bulletins expected to clarify the progress of landfall and associated weather risks.
Accuracy Note: The latest verified landfall assessment referenced here was reported at 6:02 am IST on October 28. Subsequent changes in cyclone intensity, position or landfall status have not been independently confirmed.
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