Checked on 26 October 2026 using IMD’s 1:30 pm IST marine bulletin and the government’s 3:10 pm preparedness release. This is a dated report, not a live tracker.
The Cyclone Arnab update on 26 October marks a change from yesterday’s forecast: the Bay of Bengal system has become a cyclonic storm. IMD’s afternoon bulletin projected a crossing of the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on 28 October, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam.
Cyclone Arnab update: what IMD projects next
The 1:30 pm marine bulletin forecast further strengthening through 26–27 October. It projected a very severe cyclonic storm at the coastal crossing, with sustained winds of 115–125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph. These are forecast conditions, not observed winds across every coastal district. IMD marine bulletin, 26 October
| Question | Position in the cited bulletin |
|---|---|
| Has the storm formed? | Yes, IMD identifies it as Arnab |
| When is the coastal crossing projected? | Forenoon of 28 October |
| Where is the projected corridor? | Bapatla–Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam |
| Can the forecast change? | Yes; use subsequent bulletins |
A coastal crossing date is only one part of a warning. Fishing restrictions, deteriorating sea conditions and local precautionary measures can begin earlier.
Fishing warnings apply before landfall
IMD advised fishermen against venturing into the sea along and off Andhra Pradesh from 26–29 October. Its bulletin also gives separate restrictions for other coastal and offshore areas, so a boat’s location and planned route matter. Area-specific fishing warnings
Do not treat a calm view from the beach as evidence that offshore conditions are safe. The appropriate source for a marine decision is the current warning for the relevant sea area.
Government reviews shelters and emergency readiness
The National Crisis Management Committee reviewed preparations on Monday under Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan. The government said state officials reported shelter and evacuation arrangements, activated district control rooms and response teams on standby. Cabinet Secretariat preparedness release
The release also described NDRF deployments and readiness by armed-forces and Coast Guard rescue teams. These are preparedness measures; they should not be misreported as evidence that the cyclone has already crossed the coast.
For residents, the practical implication is to identify the district’s official communication channel now. A local evacuation instruction is more specific than a national news headline.
What households can do before conditions worsen
Keep essential medicines, drinking water, important documents and charged communication devices accessible. Make arrangements for family members who may need assistance reaching a designated shelter.
Official cyclone guidance advises people to remain indoors, away from windows, and to follow evacuation instructions. Staying home is not the right response when the responsible authority has instructed an area to evacuate. Government cyclone safety guidance
For travel, check the operator as well as the weather forecast. A projected cyclone track does not independently confirm a particular flight cancellation, train disruption or road closure.
For businesses arranging shipments, our RELIEF scheme extension guide explains support for eligible West Asian export risks. That support should be assessed separately from cyclone warnings and does not establish cyclone insurance cover.
Read the timestamp before sharing a warning
A weather bulletin has an issue time, an observation time and a forecast period. A screenshot can be authentic while still being outdated or referring to a different area.
When forwarding a warning, retain those details and its official source. Avoid adding school-closure claims unless a separate local notice confirms them.
Frequently asked questions
Has Cyclone Arnab already made landfall?
The cited afternoon bulletin forecasts a later coastal crossing; it does not report a completed landfall.
Are all coastal areas under identical restrictions?
No. Marine warnings specify different areas and periods. Follow the warning relevant to your location.
Does this article confirm school holidays?
No. Check the district administration or education authority for a separate closure notice.
Follow the local instruction that applies to you
The immediate priorities are to track newer IMD bulletins, observe marine restrictions and act on district instructions. This report explains the position available during Monday’s check; subsequent official updates take precedence.
Featured image: AI-generated editorial illustration.
