Cyclone Arnab is moving closer to India’s eastern coastline, putting Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on heightened alert as authorities prepare for heavy rain, strong winds and possible disruption. The weather system is expected to cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, with landfall most likely before midnight on September 23. Several districts have already taken precautionary measures, including school closures, deployment of response teams and restrictions on movement.
Cyclone Arnab is closing in on the eastern coast, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting landfall along the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coastline between the evening of September 23 and the early hours of September 24. The system is most likely to cross the coast before midnight on September 23, prompting Odisha and Andhra Pradesh authorities to intensify preparedness measures.
According to the weather office, the system remained a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday and was expected to move towards the coastal belt between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur. Authorities in vulnerable districts have stepped up precautionary measures in anticipation of heavy rainfall, squally winds and possible disruption to normal life.
The cyclone’s influence is also expected to be felt beyond the immediate landfall zone. Coastal districts of West Bengal have been placed on alert for heavy rain and gusty winds as the system’s outer circulation interacts with prevailing weather conditions.
The IMD has advised fishermen to stay away from the sea in view of the deteriorating conditions. Weather warnings have also been issued for thunderstorms, heavy rain and squally weather across parts of West Bengal through September 25.
The weather system is also expected to influence weather conditions farther inland. Bihar could witness thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds between September 23 and 28.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the state on September 24 and 25. Heavy rain is expected to continue at some places on September 26 and 27, keeping authorities alert to the possibility of weather-related disruptions.
The approaching system has prompted local administrations in Andhra Pradesh to take precautionary steps. In Srikakulam, Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar announced a holiday for schools and Anganwadi centres on September 23. Similar directions were issued by the administration in Vizianagaram.
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Andhra Pradesh from September 22 to 25, with isolated heavy falls possible over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema.
Odisha has also activated several precautionary measures as the deep depression moves towards the coast. Heavy rainfall has already affected parts of the state, prompting district administrations to suspend classes and strengthen preparedness in vulnerable locations.
Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam and Gajapati administrations declared a school holiday, while Malkangiri ordered schools to remain closed until September 24. Anganwadi centres in the affected areas have also been shut as a precaution.
Authorities have additionally cancelled the leave of government employees in Ganjam, Koraput and Kalahandi districts to ensure that personnel remain available during the period of adverse weather. In Koraput and Kalahandi, teachers have been directed to remain at their places of posting until September 25.
Despite the weather conditions, the National Rural Talent Scholarship examination scheduled for September 22 was to be conducted as planned at designated centres.
With the cyclone approaching and rainfall expected to continue across several eastern and adjoining states, administrations are closely monitoring the situation. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to follow official advisories as the weather system makes its way towards the coast.
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