India, Oct. 27 -- Cyclone Arnab is a very severe cyclonic storm and the first to form over the Bay of Bengal in 2026. It is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of Wednesday, October 28. Sustained winds are expected at 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy to heavy rain over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha from October 27 to 29.

As of October 26, Odisha had shut schools in six districts and deployed eight ministers to oversee preparations. Andhra Pradesh has shut schools in coastal districts and restricted fishing operations, and is moving people from low-lying areas ahead of landfall.

The storm reaches a...