Cyclone Arnab Crosses Andhra Pradesh and Yanam Coasts, Weakens into Severe Cyclonic Storm

NEW DELHI: The very severe cyclonic storm named 'Arnab' crossed the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Wednesday morning before subsequently weakening into a severe cyclonic storm. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the landfall process is now complete, with the weather system having moved entirely over land.

Ahead of the landfall on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, high tidal sea waves inundated and breached a coastal road in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. During its peak, the cyclone recorded wind speeds of up to 135 kmph, accompanied by gusts reaching up to 150 kmph.

The IMD stated in an official release that the cyclone crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts to the southwest of Yanam. The location was recorded near latitude 16.450 N and 81.90 E, situated about 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur, 40 km southwest of Yanam, and 60 km southwest of Kakinada.

In the wake of the severe weather system, Cyclone Arnab has left a visible trail of disruption across the affected areas. The strong winds and rough conditions uprooted several trees and power poles, causing immediate power outages in multiple regions.

Authorities have mobilized response efforts in the affected districts. Police personnel and government officials are currently on the ground, actively clearing debris on a priority basis to restore essential services and clear major traffic routes for movement.

"Natural disasters like Cyclone Arnab present immediate operational challenges for businesses, supply chains, and local infrastructure in coastal regions. Beyond the immediate disruption of utilities and transport routes, severe weather events highlight the critical need for robust business continuity planning and risk management frameworks for enterprises operating in vulnerable geographic zones. Restoring essential services quickly is vital to mitigating long-term economic impact on regional trade and commerce." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes