New Delhi, September 24: The weather system over the Bay of Bengal crossed the coast near Kalingapatnam in north Andhra Pradesh between the night of September 23 and the early hours of September 24. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified it as a deep depression. It did not reach the cyclonic storm threshold, so calling it “Cyclone Arnab” is not correct.
According to the IMD, maximum sustained winds at landfall were about 55–65 km/h, gusting to 75 km/h. The system is now moving north-northwest inland and gradually weakening, but the risk of rain and waterlogging is not over.
Key highlights
- The deep depression crossed the coast near and southwest of Kalingapatnam.
- Landfall was completed roughly between 11 pm on September 23 and 1 am on September 24.
- The IMD did not declare the system a cyclonic storm, so “Cyclone Arnab” is not an official name.
- The risk of heavy to very heavy rain remains in south Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
- Even as it weakens, swollen streams, urban flooding and landslides in hilly areas can remain local risks.
“Cyclone Arnab” versus a deep depression
In the north Indian Ocean, a system is named only when it reaches the IMD’s cyclonic storm category. “Arnab” is indeed the next name on the region’s list, but the current system did not reach that threshold. Despite the wide use of the name in news and on social media, the official classification is a deep depression.
| IMD category | Sustained wind speed | Named? |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | 31–49 km/h | No |
| Deep depression | 50–61 km/h | No |
| Cyclonic storm | 62–88 km/h | Yes, gets the next name on the list |
| Severe cyclonic storm | 89–117 km/h | Yes |
The difference is not just about words. Weather warnings, marine advisories and administrative action are based on wind speed and rainfall forecasts. Not getting a name does not mean the danger is minor: a deep depression can also bring extreme rain, strong winds, falling trees, power cuts and flooding in low-lying areas.
The situation in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Before landfall, the Odisha government activated control rooms in the affected districts, kept ODRAF, Fire Services and other emergency teams ready and advised fishermen not to go to sea. Southern districts such as Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam were under special watch.
In the IMD’s latest position, the centre of the system was over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha. As it moves inland, the coastal wind risk may fall, but the rain belt may spread to parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. Local district warnings matter more than statewide headlines, because rain intensity will not be the same in every district.
Precautions for people
- People in low-lying areas should follow the district administration’s evacuation or shelter advisories.
- Do not try to cross fast-flowing roads, culverts or flooded underpasses.
- Fishermen and small boats should stay away from the sea until the IMD and port authorities allow it.
- Keep away from power lines, weak trees and submerged electrical equipment.
- Travellers should check train, bus and flight status with operators, and treat school or office closures as valid only when ordered by the district administration, not on the basis of social media forwards.
What to watch
- The system is likely to weaken into a depression, but rainfall warnings will matter more over the next 24 hours.
- The IMD’s bulletins, updated every few hours.
- Local flooding in south Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
What it means
The naming question has drawn attention, but what matters for people is the rain. September rainfall has been uneven across India; for the wider background, read our September monsoon outlook.
This article was first published in Hindi and has been translated. The Press of Asia now publishes in English only.
Sources
- India Meteorological Department: cyclone bulletin archive, September 24, 2026
- Chief Minister of Odisha: Chief Minister reviews preparedness to tackle heavy rainfall caused by deep depression (September 23, 2026)
- Hindustan Times: Deep depression / “Cyclone Arnab” live updates citing IMD (September 24, 2026)
The National Desk covers India's politics, governance, security and public-interest news. Stories are checked against at least two credible sources before publication.
