The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday that Cyclone Arnab is expected to make landfall along the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast between 5 pm on September 23 and 5 am on September 24. The system is most likely to cross the coast before midnight on September 23.
The weather system remains a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur during the night of September 23 and the early hours of September 24.
Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal on alert
Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are expected to bear the main impact of the system, with heavy rain, strong winds and rough sea conditions likely in several areas.
In West Bengal, coastal districts have been put on alert for heavy rain and gusty winds as the cyclone’s outer circulation interacts with local weather systems. The IMD has warned of heavy rain, thunderstorms and squally weather in parts of the state through September 25.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
Heavy rain expected in Bihar
The weather system is also expected to affect Bihar, where thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds are likely between September 23 and 28.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall on September 24 and 25, followed by heavy rain on September 26 and 27.
Schools closed in parts of Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam Collector Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar declared a holiday for schools and Anganwadi centres in the district on Wednesday. Similar directions were issued by the Vizianagaram administration.
The IMD has forecast heavy rain in parts of Andhra Pradesh from September 22 to 25, including isolated heavy rainfall over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema.
Odisha shuts schools in several districts
Heavy rain linked to the deep depression has prompted authorities in Odisha to take precautionary measures.
Schools in Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam and Gajapati were closed for the day, while schools in Malkangiri were ordered to remain closed until September 24. Anganwadi centres have also been closed until September 24.
The government has deployed teams in vulnerable areas and cancelled leave for some government employees in Ganjam, Koraput and Kalahandi districts as a precaution.
The National Rural Talent Scholarship examination scheduled for September 22 will be conducted as planned at designated centres. Authorities in Koraput and Kalahandi have directed teachers not to leave their places of posting until September 25.