The cyclone has brought strong winds, heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions along the Andhra Pradesh coast and neighbouring parts of Tamil Nadu. Officials are closely monitoring the movement of the storm and have advised people in vulnerable coastal areas to remain indoors and follow safety instructions.
According to the weather agency, Cyclone Arnab is crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast near the region between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam. The system is accompanied by powerful winds, with gusts expected to reach very high speeds in the landfall zone.
The cyclone has also affected coastal areas of north Chennai and Tiruvallur districts. High waves were seen crashing onto the Ennore Expressway and other coastal roads, sending seawater onto the carriageway and disrupting traffic.
Several stretches of the Ennore Expressway were temporarily closed or placed under restrictions after waves overtopped the coastal embankment. Traffic was diverted as a precautionary measure, while commuters were advised to avoid coastal routes unless travel was essential.
The rough sea conditions were reported in areas around Ennore, Tiruvottiyur and other parts of north Chennai. The high waves created dangerous conditions for motorists, pedestrians and roadside businesses located close to the coast.
Authorities have deployed personnel to monitor the affected roads and assist with traffic management. Residents living near the shoreline have been warned not to approach beaches, seawalls, bridges or flooded roads to take photographs or assess the damage.
The weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal Andhra Pradesh, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated places. Rainfall activity is also expected to continue in parts of Tamil Nadu, Odisha and neighbouring regions under the influence of the cyclone.
The IMD has warned that the cyclone may cause flooding in low-lying areas, waterlogging on roads, uprooting of trees and damage to weak structures. Electricity and communication services could also be affected in areas experiencing strong winds and heavy rain.
A storm surge of around one to two metres above the normal astronomical tide has been forecast in vulnerable coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, particularly near Kakinada and Yanam. Such a surge could inundate low-lying settlements and agricultural fields close to the sea.
Fishing activity has been suspended along the affected coastlines. Fishermen have been advised to remain ashore until the sea conditions improve and official permission is issued to resume operations.
District administrations in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have kept emergency teams, rescue personnel and relief arrangements ready. People in vulnerable areas have been advised to move to safer locations if instructed by local officials.
As Cyclone Arnab completes its landfall, authorities are expected to assess damage to roads, power infrastructure, homes and public facilities. Weather conditions are likely to gradually improve after the storm moves inland, although heavy rain and strong winds may continue in several areas for some time.
Residents should rely only on official weather bulletins and local administration advisories. They should avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from coastal areas and keep emergency supplies, mobile phones, medicines and important documents ready.