📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / MODIS Imagery from NOAA’s Aqua Satellite
Weather
Cyclone Arnab Threatens Bay of Bengal, Meteorological Dept Issues Alert
✍️ NDTV MP Chhattisgarh
🗓 26 Oct 2026, 11:01 PM
👁 13
The India Meteorological Department has issued a cyclone watch for Cyclone Arnab as it approaches the Bay of Bengal, prompting precautionary measures along the eastern coast.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Cyclone Arnab under a watch as the system intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. Forecasts indicate that the cyclone could reach wind speeds of 90-110 km/h within the next 48 hours, raising the risk of heavy rain and storm surges along the eastern coastline.
IMD officials have advised coastal districts of Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to remain vigilant and activate disaster‑management protocols. Local authorities are instructed to monitor sea levels, secure vulnerable infrastructure and disseminate timely warnings to the public.
Residents in the potentially affected zones have been urged to keep emergency kits ready, avoid low‑lying areas and stay tuned to official bulletins. The department will issue further updates every six hours as the cyclone progresses.
The alert comes amid a broader monsoon season that has already seen scattered showers across central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where rain warnings have also been issued.
Authorities stress that while the cyclone is still over open water, its trajectory could shift, and they remain prepared to issue higher‑level warnings if conditions worsen.
IMD officials have advised coastal districts of Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to remain vigilant and activate disaster‑management protocols. Local authorities are instructed to monitor sea levels, secure vulnerable infrastructure and disseminate timely warnings to the public.
Residents in the potentially affected zones have been urged to keep emergency kits ready, avoid low‑lying areas and stay tuned to official bulletins. The department will issue further updates every six hours as the cyclone progresses.
The alert comes amid a broader monsoon season that has already seen scattered showers across central India, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, where rain warnings have also been issued.
Authorities stress that while the cyclone is still over open water, its trajectory could shift, and they remain prepared to issue higher‑level warnings if conditions worsen.