Cyclone Arnab Weakens After Landfall in Andhra Pradesh, Heavy Rain Warning Remains

Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab weakened into a severe cyclonic storm after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast near Narsapur on Wednesday morning, but authorities urged residents to remain alert as heavy to extremely heavy rainfall was forecast across several districts.

According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the cyclone crossed the coast southwest of Yanam between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain cautioned that the completion of landfall did not mean the danger had passed, with adverse weather conditions expected to continue.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts about 20 km east-northeast of Narsapur, 40 km southwest of Yanam in Puducherry and 60 km southwest of Kakinada.

At the time of landfall, the system was classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, packing maximum sustained winds of 125-135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. The IMD subsequently confirmed that the landfall process had been completed, with the cyclone's central region moving entirely over land.

At 8.30 a.m., the system was centred over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, along with adjoining areas of the west-central Bay of Bengal. The IMD forecast that it would move north-northwestwards over the following 48 hours, gradually losing intensity. It was expected to weaken first into a cyclonic storm and subsequently into a deep depression.

The cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds to coastal districts, inundating low-lying areas and uprooting trees and electricity poles at several locations. Officials reported damage to crops and civic infrastructure, although no loss of life had been reported at the time of the update.

The IMD issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Anakapalli, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari and West Godavari districts.

Very heavy rainfall was forecast in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Eluru, Krishna and NTR districts. Guntur, Bapatla and SPSR Nellore districts were also expected to receive heavy rainfall.

As a precautionary measure, authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in 15 districts placed on high alert.

Officials urged residents to follow weather advisories, avoid waterlogged and low-lying areas, and stay away from fallen electricity poles and damaged power lines as the weakened cyclone continued to move inland.