Cyclone Arnab makes landfall on Andhra coast with winds up to 150 kmph
The very severe storm crossed between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Wednesday, and IMD says its strongest winds will last about four more hours.
Cyclone Arnab has hit Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) says the "very severe" cyclonic storm began crossing the coast at about 1.20 am on Wednesday, October 28, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, just south of Yanam.
The numbers are serious. Sustained winds are blowing at 125 to 135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. That is strong enough to bring down trees, hoardings and weak structures, so people in the path have been living through a long, loud night.
Landfall is not instant. IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra explained that the tip of the system has already moved onto land, and the whole crossing will take around four hours. In that window, he said, wind speeds will hold at the same high level.
What does that mean on the ground? Heavy rain and strong winds are continuing across coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and parts of southern Odisha, according to the IMD. Residents in these areas should stay indoors until the storm has fully moved inland and official advisories ease.
Why it matters: the most dangerous hours are often during and just after the crossing, when winds peak and rain-soaked ground makes falling trees and power line damage more likely. Expect updates from the IMD and state authorities as the system weakens over land.
Source: News18