Stories
Cyclone Arnab Threatens India: IMD Issues Alarming Alert for Coastal Devastation
- •A depression in the Bay of Bengal is intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm named 'Arnab', potentially the first cyclone of the year.
- •IMD reports the depression is moving westward at 18 kmph, located near Gopalpur, Kalingapatnam, Puri, and Visakhapatnam.
- •The cyclone is expected to primarily impact coastal areas of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha, with effects extending to West Bengal.
- •Landfall is anticipated on September 23, leading to heavy rainfall and potential floods in Telangana, South Odisha, and North Andhra Pradesh by September 27.
- •Rainfall has already begun in several states, including Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, with alerts issued for Odisha and other regions.
Key Questions Answered
According to scientists and the IMD, the impending cyclonic storm Arnab is expected to have its greatest impact on the coastal areas of North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha, with its effects potentially extending to West Bengal. Very heavy rainfall and possible flood-like conditions are anticipated in regions including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana.
The depression over the Bay of Bengal is predicted to intensify into a deep depression by Wednesday. Weather agencies estimate that the system could make landfall around September 23, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions through September 27.
On September 22, 2026, at 8:30 AM, the depression was located at latitude 17.9° North and longitude 86.0° East, moving westward at a speed of 18 kmph over the last 6 hours. It was positioned approximately 200 km southeast of Gopalpur and 210 km south of Puri in Odisha.
