Bhubaneswar: With cyclone Arnab set to cross Andhra coast on Wednesday, heavy to extremely heavy rain coupled with high-speed wind is likely to batter several parts of Odisha for two days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday.
The system is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, as a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125–135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph.
Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said the cyclone was located approximately 380 km south of Gopalpur in Odisha and is expected to move west-north-westwards until the evening of October 27 before changing direction towards the northwest.
“The cyclone is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, very close to Yanam, as a very severe cyclonic storm. It is likely to maintain its intensity at the time of landfall,” Mohanty said.
The IMD has also forecast widespread rain in Odisha, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places on Tuesday and Wednesday. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations on Wednesday, accompanied by intense thunderstorms and lightning.
Mohanty urged people to remain alert and take necessary precautions in view of the adverse weather conditions. Authorities are monitoring the situation as the approaching cyclone is expected to affect coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring regions.
The IMD has issued a red warning for several Odisha districts. On Tuesday, heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places with extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places is very likely over Gajapati and Ganjam districts. Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty surface wind reaching 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is also likely over these districts.
On October 28, red warning has been issued for Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts where heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places with extremely heavy rainfall at one or two places is very likely.
Thunderstorm with lightning and gusty wind speed reaching 60-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph is very likely over Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri.
Several districts of Odisha are likely to experience strong surface winds, with the maximum forecast wind speed varying by district and date.
Fishermen Warning:
Fishermen are advised not to venture into west-central Bay of Bengal from October 27 to 29;
along & off Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coasts from October 27 to 29; northwest Bay of Bengal and along and off West Bengal Coast from October 27 to 29.
