As Cyclone Arnab approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast and poses a potential threat to upcoming urban local body elections scheduled for November 1, State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha has consulted with State Disaster Management Authority Managing Director Prakhar Jain to prepare for potential emergencies.
Mr. Punetha stated that the brewing weather system in the Bay of Bengal appears severe based on information from Mr. Jain, and the Commission is closely monitoring its progress ahead of a predicted October 28 landfall. He expressed optimism that the state administration could restore normalcy within two days following the storm's passage, allowing the local body elections to proceed as planned.
However, Mr. Punetha noted that if the cyclone turns out to be as devastating as anticipated, the Election Commission will reassess the situation and make a determination regarding the scheduling of the polls. For now, the Commission is keeping its options open while observing developments.
The India Meteorological Department reported that a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Arnab early Monday morning on October 26, 2026. At 5:30 a.m. that day, the storm was located hundreds of kilometers away from various Andhra Pradesh coastal cities, including Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, and Bapatla, while moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour.
Forecasts indicate the storm will strengthen further into a severe cyclonic storm by Monday midnight and into a very severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department predicts the system will cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28, bringing maximum sustained wind speeds of 115 to 125 kmph gusting up to 140 kmph. A red alert, representing the highest level of cyclone warning, has been issued for the Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts.