Severe Cyclone Threat to AP Coast: IMD Warns of Powerful Storm by Nov 3
IMD warns of a severe cyclonic storm hitting Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur by Nov 3 with winds up to 120kmph.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a critical alert as a weather disturbance in the southeast Bay of Bengal has rapidly intensified, creating a severe cyclone threat to AP coast. What began as a depression has quickly evolved into a deep depression and is now barreling westward toward India's eastern shores, with forecasts suggesting it will escalate into a powerful storm within the coming days.
Rapid Intensification in the Bay of Bengal
According to the IMD, the system moved west-northwestwards at a speed of 23 kmph over a six-hour window. As of 05:30 IST on November 1, 2026, the deep depression was centered over the southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal.
The storm's current position is approximately:
- 700 km east-southeast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- 770 km south-southeast of Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- 770 km southeast of Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- 810 km east-southeast of Ongole, Andhra Pradesh
Projected Path and Landfall Timeline
Forecasters warn that atmospheric conditions are highly favorable for the system to grow even stronger. The IMD has outlined a dangerous timeline for the storm's progression:
- Next 6 Hours: The system is expected to intensify into a Cyclonic Storm over the southwest and west-central Bay of Bengal.
- November 2: It is projected to strengthen further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal.
- November 3: The storm is likely to make landfall on the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur by the morning.
At the time of landfall, the storm is expected to bring devastating wind speeds ranging from 100 to 110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph.
Tragedy in Odisha: Cyclone Arnab Leaves Trail of Destruction
While Andhra Pradesh braces for the new threat, Odisha is still reeling from the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab. In the Ganjam district, a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall has struck Gidipabali village in the Bhanjanagar area, leaving 12 people missing.
Massive Rescue Operations Underway
Ganjam District Collector V Keerthi Vasan stated that the administration has ramped up evacuation and relief efforts. Special focus is being placed on residents stranded in low-lying villages and areas where river levels have risen dangerously.
To locate the missing persons, a massive force of over 140 personnel has been deployed, including teams from:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- Odisha State Disaster Response Force (ODRAF)
- Fire Services and the Special Operation Group (SOG)
- Local Police
The rescue effort is being bolstered by high-tech equipment, with Navy helicopters and Live SEISMIC Detection Devices from both the Navy and Railways expected to arrive at the site to help find those buried under debris.
Administrative Mobilization for Flood Management
Due to the severity of the floods caused by Cyclone Arnab, the Housing & Urban Development Department has assigned 10 additional officers—including Assistant Commissioners, Executive Officers, and Engineers—to support the Ganjam Collector. These officials, drawn from various municipalities including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Khordha, are tasked with strengthening flood management and restoring essential services.
Furthermore, teams from WATCO and PHEO have been deployed to ensure that drinking water supplies and sanitation arrangements are maintained in the affected urban areas. Collector Vasan has urged the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and strictly follow official instructions during this crisis.