Deep depression intensifies into cyclonic storm 'Arnab'; rains continue in Tamil Nadu | LIVE
Follow the Hindu's LIVE updates as Odisha and Andhra Pradesh step up preparedness for Cyclone Arnab, which is set to cross Andhra coast on October 28.
Odisha stepped up preparations, mobilising personnel and equipment, while Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi deputed eight ministers to vulnerable districts
Updated - October 26, 2026 09:20 am IST
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chairs a high-level meeting on preparedness for Cyclone Arnab, in Bhubaneswar. | Photo Credit: ANI
The deep depression over eastcentral and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Monday (October 26, 2026) moved nearly westwards with a speed of 15 kmph during last six hours, intensified into cyclonic storm “Arnab” (Pronunciation: Ornab), says IMD.
The cyclone lay-centered around 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands), 650 km east-southeast of Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 830 km east of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 910 km east of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh).
The system is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum wind speeds of 115-125 kmph. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday (October 26) directed officials to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ensure comprehensive preparedness to minimise the impact of Cyclone Arnab and prevent loss of life.
Meanwhile, Rains continued to lash several parts of Tamil Nadu with the northeast monsoon keeping on with its active pace and the IMD said more showers are likely in the state till October 27.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati, has announced that the deep depression over Eastcentral and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’.
In its 8.20 a.m. bulletin, the IMD said the deep depression moved nearly westwards, with a speed of 15 kmph during last 6 hours, and intensified into a cyclone, which lay centred over Eastcentral and adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal.
It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a severe Cyclonic Storm over westcentral Bay of Bengal by Monday midnight and into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the same region by Tuesday (October 27, 2026).
The storm is likely to cross the coast by October 28 noon.
As of 8.30 a.m., no major rainfall activity has been reported from Andhra Pradesh. The IMD did not give any major rainfall alerts for Monday (October 26, 2026). -- The Hindu Bureau
As per IMD bulletin, the cyclone is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over westcentral Bay of Bengal by midnight of Monday (October 26, 2026) and into a very severe cyclonic storm over the same region on October 27, 2026. - Satyasundar Barik
Deep depression intensifies into Cyclonic Storm Arnab
IMD warns Arnab cyclone to intensify from deep depression to severe and very severe storm, impacting east India with imminent landfall.
The deep depression over eastcentral and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal on Monday (October 26, 2026) moved nearly westwards with a speed of 15 kmph during last six hours, intensified into cyclonic storm “Arnab” (Pronunciation: Ornab), says IMD.
The cyclone lay-centered around 590 km northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands), 650 km east-southeast of Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 830 km east of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and 910 km east of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh). -- Satyasundar Barik
The Highways Department has kept 5,000 bags of cold mix ready for repairing roads that have been damaged in the rains this week.
The damages on Major Mukund Varadarajan Road (Velachery-Tambaram Road) have been given priority as the road cut made for laying a 2mt diameter water pipeline by the CMWSSB for a length of 800 mts had to be restored.
Almost all roads under the maintenance of the Highways department have suffered some kind of damage due to water stagnation or rain water falling from Metrorail pillars. At places the top layer has worn off and in some others, potholes have developed.
Of the 650 km length of roads under Chennai City roads, 43 km have suffered damages. Places like Moovarasampet and Nanmangalam that lack SWD have suffered significant damage. Sources in the Highways department said they were taking up repairs wherever necessary. “We have mobilised men and machinery needed for the repairs. We are waiting for a dry spell before the wet mixes are used. Temporary filling up of potholes are being taken up,” the source added. -- The Hindu Bureau
The depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm by October 28 and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, with wind speeds of up to 125 kmph and gusts reaching 140 kmph.
