A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has rapidly intensified into a dangerous tropical cyclone named ‘Arnab’. Moving westward at a speed of 15 km/h over the last few hours, the system has consolidated into a severe threat. According to the Meteorological Department, the cyclone is expected to turn into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by midnight of October 26 and further strengthen on October 27.

The weather office predicts that Cyclone ‘Arnab’ will move in a north-westerly direction and cross the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on the morning of October 28. During landfall, wind speeds are expected to range between 115 and 125 km/h, with gusts reaching up to a terrifying 140 km/h. After making landfall, the system is expected to gradually lose strength.

The cyclone will also have a significant impact on West Bengal. From October 27 to October 29, several districts including Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia, and North & South 24 Parganas are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall accompanied by lightning and gusty winds. Heavy rainfall warnings (7–11 cm) have been issued for coastal and southern districts as precautionary measures.