Cyclone ‘Arnab’ set to make landfall on the Andhra coast today: Schools shut in Odisha-Andhra, 61 trains cancelled, heavy rain alert in Bengal-Jharkhand
The extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’ is moving west from the Bay of Bengal. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have stepped up precautionary measures ahead of landfall. Schools are closed in both states, fishing at sea is banned, and rescue teams are on standby. Officials aim to ensure no loss of life and minimal damage to infrastructure.
When and where will it hit?
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), by the morning of October 28 it may cross the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. During this time, maximum wind speeds could reach 125 to 135 km/h, with gusts of up to 150 km/h. According to The Hindu, there is an atmosphere of fear along the Kakinada coast. The date is close to the anniversary of Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Montha’, which made landfall on this same coast at midnight on October 29, 2025.
Trains and flights affected
Railways have cancelled at least 61 trains, including 53 passenger trains that will not run on Tuesday (October 27) and Wednesday.
These trains connect Vijayawada with Machilipatnam, Gudivada, Narasapur, Bhimavaram, Rajahmundry, Kakinada Port, Guntur and Repalle.
Visakhapatnam-Kirandul and Visakhapatnam-Koraput passenger trains will remain cancelled until October 30 or 31.
The Visakhapatnam-Kirandul Night Express is cancelled from October 29 to November 4.
Air India has warned that flights to Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada may be affected and has urged passengers to check flight status and reach the airport early.
Heavy rain alert in these states
West Bengal: Heavy rain is likely on October 28-29 in South 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura and West Bardhaman. On October 29-30, heavy rain is also likely in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri. Light to moderate rain is possible in Kolkata over the next 48 hours.
Jharkhand: Heavy rain is likely for three days. Yellow alert in Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Seraikela-Kharsawan and Singhbhum. Orange alert until October 30 in Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum. Warnings of thunder, lightning and thunderstorms have also been issued.
Fishermen: Advised not to venture into the sea until October 29. Winds of 40-50 km/h may blow near the Bengal coast.
Situation in Visakhapatnam
Amid strong winds, trees have fallen in several places and the sea is rough. Despite government warnings, some people were seen buying vegetables at the market.
