Cyclone Arnab remains nearly stationary off Andhra coast, landfall to continue for 2-3 hours

Cyclone Arnab remained almost stationary off the Andhra Pradesh coast early on Wednesday, with the landfall process expected to last another two to three hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Heavy rain, strong winds and flooding affected several districts, prompting rescue operations and precautionary measures across the state.

In its 5.30 am update, the IMD said the cyclone’s northern spiral band had moved further inland, while its centre remained close to the coastline.

The very severe cyclonic storm was located over the west-central Bay of Bengal, around 30 km east of Narsapur, 45 km south-southwest of Yanam and 70 km south-southwest of Kakinada.

The storm was expected to move north-westwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near the south of Yanam. Maximum sustained wind speeds could reach 135 kmph, with gusts of up to 150 kmph.

Heavy rainfall and strong winds hit Anakapalli, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Konaseema, while trees fell in several locations. The IMD reported rainfall exceeding 200 mm at multiple places between 8.30 am on October 27 and 4 am on October 28.

Kannuripalem in Anakapalli recorded the highest rainfall at 261.5 mm. KVBR School in Vizianagaram received 259.74 mm, while the 16th Police Battalion area in Visakhapatnam recorded 259.06 mm.

State officials warned that heavy rain could continue on Wednesday and Thursday.