Cyclone Arnab Alert 2026: Odisha Prepares for Heavy Rain, Schools May Shut in Five Districts

Cyclone Arnab Update, October 25, 2026: Authorities in Odisha are strengthening disaster preparedness amid concerns about a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal. According to reports, the system could bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions to parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh around October 28.

The Odisha administration has reportedly mobilised disaster response personnel and reviewed emergency arrangements in vulnerable districts. Precautionary measures described in the report include proposed school closures, evacuation preparations and warnings for fishing communities.

The report identifies Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri as districts requiring particular attention.

However, the cyclone's official classification, projected landfall location and the status of educational institution closures require confirmation from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the relevant district authorities.

Cyclone Arnab: What Is the Latest Weather Update?

According to the supplied report, a weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal may intensify and move towards the northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha coastal regions.

The report suggests that the system could approach the coastline around October 28, potentially bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Wind speeds of approximately 80–90 km/h are mentioned in the report, while a higher figure of 140 km/h is also cited as a possible intensity scenario.

These figures should not be treated as a single confirmed forecast. Actual wind speeds depend on the storm's development, intensity and distance from the coast.

The IMD issues updated cyclone bulletins containing information about the system's location, movement, expected intensity and associated weather warnings.

Residents should follow the latest official bulletins rather than rely on earlier projections.

Odisha School and College Holiday Update for October 28–29

The source report states that precautionary closures of schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres have been ordered in five districts of southern Odisha for October 28 and 29.

The districts highlighted in the report are:

• Ganjam

• Gajapati

• Rayagada

• Koraput

• Malkangiri

Such closures are intended to reduce travel risks for students, teachers and other staff during periods of severe weather.

However, the supplied information does not include the relevant district administration orders or education department notifications.

Therefore, students and parents should confirm whether their institution is covered by an official closure announcement before making arrangements.

Educational institutions may also receive separate instructions concerning examinations, attendance and reopening dates.

Disaster Response Teams Reportedly Deployed in Odisha

The Odisha government has reportedly intensified emergency preparedness ahead of the possible cyclone threat.

According to the report, the following response resources have been mobilised:

These figures are based on the supplied report and have not been independently verified.

Disaster response personnel may assist with evacuations, rescue operations, emergency transportation and other activities if severe weather affects populated areas.

Local administrations are also expected to coordinate with relevant departments to prepare shelters and essential services.

The actual deployment of teams may change depending on updated weather forecasts and operational requirements.

## IMD Forecast: Cyclone Could Reach Andhra Pradesh on October 28

Weather reports published on October 25 indicate that the developing Bay of Bengal system could cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of October 28.

According to the reported IMD forecast, the storm could reach the intensity of a very severe cyclonic storm, with sustained winds of 115–125 km/h and gusts reaching 140 km/h.

The name Arnab is expected to be assigned once the system officially reaches cyclonic storm intensity. As of the October 25 morning update, it was still being described as a depression.

These forecasts may change as the system develops.

Red Rainfall Warning for Five Odisha Districts

Weather authorities have issued a red rainfall warning for October 28 covering Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across parts of Odisha between October 27 and 29, with isolated extremely heavy downpours possible in the most vulnerable areas.

Thunderstorms, lightning and strong surface winds may accompany the rainfall.

Residents in low-lying areas should remain alert to possible waterlogging, flooding and disruption of local transport services.

Odisha Government Reviews Emergency Preparedness

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed cyclone preparedness at Lok Seva Bhavan and instructed departments to coordinate their emergency response.

Authorities have been asked to prepare cyclone shelters, identify vulnerable locations and ensure that essential services can be restored quickly if severe weather causes damage.

Special attention is being given to the safety of patients, pregnant women and residents who may require evacuation assistance.

Officials have also been directed to maintain readiness for possible disruptions to electricity, roads and other public infrastructure.

Fishermen Warned Against Entering the Sea

Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea because of the developing weather system and the possibility of dangerous marine conditions.

Those already at sea should follow instructions from maritime authorities and return to safe locations as directed.

Coastal residents should also monitor warnings concerning high winds, heavy rainfall and possible flooding.

Unnecessary travel during severe weather should be avoided, particularly in areas where local authorities issue restrictions.

What Should Residents Do Before the Cyclone?

People living in potentially affected districts should take practical precautions before the expected period of severe weather.

Important measures include:

1. Keep mobile phones charged and maintain access to emergency contact numbers.

2. Store essential medicines, drinking water and necessary household supplies.

3. Secure loose objects that could become dangerous during strong winds.

4. Avoid flooded roads, damaged electrical equipment and fallen power lines.

5. Follow evacuation instructions issued by district authorities.

6. Check official school closure notifications before travelling to educational institutions.

Farmers should also follow local agricultural advisories regarding standing crops, harvested produce and livestock.

Final Update

Odisha has intensified preparations for the developing Bay of Bengal cyclone threat, while weather forecasts indicate that the system could approach the Andhra Pradesh coast around October 28.

Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres are scheduled to remain closed in five southern Odisha districts on October 28 and 29, according to reports published on October 24–25.

With disaster response teams on alert and heavy rainfall warnings in place, residents should follow official instructions and monitor changing weather conditions.

The latest cyclone bulletins are available from the https://mausam.imd.gov.in/" title="India Meteorological Department"/>.