Cyclone Arnab Landfall Tonight: Check IMD Prediction for Heavy Rain, Landslide in 6 States, Forecast Path, Worst Affected States

Cyclone Arnab, which has triggered a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is shifting towards the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas today. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the system will cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur during the night of September 23 and early hours of September 24.

Current status of Cyclone Arnab

The system intensified into a deep depression on Tuesday evening and was moving west-northwestwards. At 8:30 am on September 23, it was located about 60 km southeast of Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, 140 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam and 150 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha, according to the IMD.

The IMD forecasted the system to cross the coast close to Kalingapatnam while retaining its status as a deep depression.

List of States likely to Face Impact

Odisha is among the areas expected to receive rainfall as the system approaches. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of southern and coastal Odisha, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall possible in some areas.

Several districts have taken precautionary measures. Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam and Gajapati announced school closures, while Malkangiri ordered schools to remain closed until September 24. Anganwadi centres have also been shut in some areas.

Strong winds and rough sea conditions are expected along the Odisha coast, prompting authorities to maintain cautionary signals at ports.

Also, Coastal Andhra Pradesh is expected to see heavy rainfall and strong winds. The system is forecast to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, making northern coastal Andhra a crucial concern.

The IMD has forecast squally weather along and off the south Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coasts. Winds could reach 50-60 kmph, with gusts up to 70 kmph in the coastal areas. Fishermen have been advised to avoid going to sea while conditions remain hazardous.

Will it become Cyclone Arnab?

Despite references to “Cyclone Arnab”, the IMD has not forecast the system to become a cyclonic storm before landfall. Arnab is the next name on the list for a North Indian Ocean cyclone, but a system gets that name only after reaching cyclone intensity.

Telangana and parts of central India may also receive heavy rainfall as the system moves inland after crossing the coast.

When will Cyclone Arnab make landfall?

The cyclone is likely to cross the coast between 5 pm on September 23 and 5 am on September 24, with landfall most likely before midnight on September 23.