Cyclone Arnab: Isro satellite captures storm barreling towards Andhra Pradesh

Satellite observations have captured Cyclone Arnab strengthening over the Bay of Bengal. The red-level warning calls for heightened preparedness in Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha.Satellite images show the cyclone’s tightly wound cloud bands and a distinct central circulation. (Photo: IMD)New Delhi,Oct 26, 2026 11:00 ISTIndia’s space-based satellite observations have captured Cyclone Arnab swirling over the Bay of Bengal as the storm intensifies and heads towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a red-level cyclone warning for Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha.Satellite images show the cyclone’s tightly wound cloud bands and a distinct central circulation over the Bay of Bengal, highlighting the organised storm system as it strengthens.The images provide a view of the cyclone’s structure and its position relative to the Indian coastline.According to the IMD, Cyclonic Storm Arnab, pronounced ‘Ornab’, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by midnight on October 26 and further strengthen into a very severe cyclonic storm on October 27. The storm is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28.At landfall, Arnab is expected to pack maximum sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph, the IMD said.CYCLONE ARNAB'S POSITION AND MOVEMENTIn its bulletin issued at 5.30 am on October 26, the IMD said the cyclone was centred over the eastcentral and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal, near latitude 15.4°N and longitude 88.9°E.The storm was approximately 610 km southeast of Gopalpur in Odisha and 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It had moved westwards at 15 kmph over the preceding six hours before intensifying from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm.The weather system is very likely to move west-northwestwards before turning northwestwards towards the Andhra Pradesh coast, according to the forecast.RED ALERT AS CYCLONE INTENSIFIESThe IMD's red-level warning signals the need for heightened preparedness along the vulnerable coastline as the cyclone strengthens.Winds reaching 115-125 kmph, with stronger gusts, could pose a threat to coastal infrastructure, power lines, trees and temporary structures. The storm could also disrupt fishing and other maritime activities, while heavy rainfall and rough seas may create additional risks in affected areas.The cyclone's precise impacts will depend on its track, intensity and conditions at landfall. Authorities and residents in potentially affected districts should follow official advisories and evacuation instructions.With Arnab forecast to intensify over the next two days, satellite observations and updated IMD bulletins will- Ends