Red alert for 11 Andhra districts: Schools shut, over 50 trains cancelled as Cyclone Arnab nears landfall; storm threatens flights to Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada

VISAKHAPATNAM: As severe Cyclone Arnab is expected to make landfall between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, on Wednesday, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph, the Andhra Pradesh government has stepped up precautionary measures.Educational institutions in coastal districts have been closed, sea fishing operations prohibited and rescue teams kept on standby at various locations to ensure zero loss of life and minimal damage to infrastructure.The rainfall activity with strong gales began in parts of Kakinada, Konaseema, Anakapalle, Visakhapatnam, and a few other districts on Tuesday morning. The locals in Vizag city the sea conditions turned rough on Tuesday morning.The rainfall activity may intensify from Tuesday afternoon.The very severe cyclonic storm “Arnab” over Westcentral Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards with a speed of 22 kmph during past six hours, and lay centered 260 km southeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 300 km east-southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), 380 km south of Gopalpur (Odisha), 390 km east of Machilipatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 460 km east of Bapatla (Andhra Pradesh) and 980 km west-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram (Andaman Islands).It is very likely to move west-northwestwards till Tuesday (Oct 27) evening. Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and cross Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on Wednesday October (28) afternoon. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 27 and 28.The IMD has issued rainfall warnings of varying severity for coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas, with the highest level of alert covering several districts on Tuesday and Wednesday.For Tuesday, a red warning for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued for Anakapalle, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari and Eluru districts, as well as Yanam.An orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall is in force for Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Visakhapatnam, NTR, Krishna, Guntur and Bapatla districts. A yellow warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for Palnadu, Prakasam and Nellore districts.For Wednesday, red warnings have been issued for Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju, Anakapalle, Kakinada, Konaseema, East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, NTR, Krishna and Guntur districts.Orange warnings cover Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, Vizianagaram and Bapatla districts, as well as Yanam, while yellow warnings have been issued for Palnadu, Prakasam and Nellore districts.In view of the imminent cyclone Arnab and in the interest of passenger safety, south coastal railway cancelled more than 50 trains running between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Kakinada, and few other destinations on Tuesday and Wednesday.Passengers have been advised to check train-wise cancellation details, confirm their journey dates and verify train status before heading to stations.The weather conditions associated with cyclone Arnab may impact flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.However, as of now there are no cancellation of flights from ASR international airport, Bhogapuram and all operations are normal on Tuesday.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Visakhapatnam | Silver Rate in Visakhapatnam | Bank Holidays in Visakhapatnam | Public Holidays in Visakhapatnam | Petrol Price in Visakhapatnam | Diesel Price in Visakhapatnam | CNG Price in Visakhapatnam | LPG Price in VisakhapatnamStay updated with the latest Visakhapatnam news. Download the TOI App.