A deep depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal is moving closer to the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast, bringing the focus back to Kalingapatnam, Gopalpur and Visakhapatnam. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the system was about 70 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam at 5:30 am on September 23 after moving westwards at 12 kmph.
The current forecast does not classify the system as Cyclone Arnab. IMD expects it to cross the coast as a deep depression on September 23 night. Still, the approaching system has already triggered red warnings, school closures, rough-sea alerts and disaster-response preparations across vulnerable coastal and southern districts.
Where And When Could The Deep Depression Make Landfall?
The latest track keeps the crossing zone between Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Gopalpur in Odisha, with the centre expected to pass close to Kalingapatnam. IMD’s sea-area bulletin says the system is likely to move west-northwestwards and cross the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coastline by Wednesday night.
At 5:30 am, the centre was near latitude 18.0°N and longitude 84.7°E, roughly 70 km east-southeast of Kalingapatnam, 150 km south of Gopalpur, 150 km east-northeast of Visakhapatnam and 230 km south-southwest of Puri.
That puts north coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha closest to the immediate impact zone. The timing can still shift slightly as the system moves nearer land, so residents should follow fresh IMD bulletins rather than rely on an older track image.
IMD also posted the developing system on its official X account, giving the position, movement and expected crossing near Kalingapatnam in its latest public update.
Which Areas Face The Heaviest Rain And Strongest Winds?
The biggest concern is not the name of the storm but the rain and wind arriving with it. Odisha’s IMD warning page shows an extremely heavy rainfall risk on September 23 and 24, while coastal Andhra Pradesh is also under warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong surface winds.
Current alerts and local preparations include:
- South Odisha and north coastal Andhra Pradesh may see squally winds around 55–65 kmph, with gusts near 75 kmph.
- Schools have been closed in several districts, including parts of Odisha and six north coastal Andhra Pradesh districts.
- Odisha has placed 11 districts on high alert, with shelters and evacuation arrangements being readied where required.
- Fishermen have been advised not to venture into affected sea areas while rough to very rough conditions continue, according to the IMD fishermen warning.
In Andhra Pradesh, schools were shut in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, Alluri Sitharama Raju and Anakapalle. State disaster-response teams have also been deployed in vulnerable locations.
Odisha has taken similar steps. Kalinga Ghat traffic was restricted, while Satapada-Jahnikuda ferry services on Chilika Lake were suspended through September 25. The state has also deployed or kept 33 ODRAF teams on standby, including 24 positioned in vulnerable districts and nine held in reserve.
Is It Actually Cyclone Arnab?
Not yet. That distinction is important.
“Arnab” is the next unused name on the North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone list. The World Meteorological Organization naming table shows that Bangladesh contributed the name Arnab. A system receives that name only if it strengthens to cyclonic-storm intensity.
For now, IMD’s forecast keeps this system at deep-depression strength through the coastal crossing. A deep depression is one level below a cyclonic storm in IMD’s official classification. So headlines referring to “Cyclone Arnab” are describing the possible next stage, not the system’s official status at present.
This can change only if the winds strengthen enough before landfall. Until IMD formally upgrades and names it, “deep depression” remains the correct description.
What Should Residents Watch Before Landfall?
People across the likely impact belt should keep an eye on short-notice district warnings, especially where intense rain is already falling. Low-lying roads, weak structures, trees, coastal stretches and hill roads can become dangerous quickly during squalls or repeated heavy showers.
The IMD fishermen warning remains especially relevant for coastal communities because sea conditions are expected to stay rough to very rough. Travel plans around Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput and nearby districts may also face local disruption depending on rainfall.
FAQs
When is the deep depression expected to cross the coast?
IMD expects landfall near Kalingapatnam during September 23 night, possibly extending into early September 24.
Will the system definitely become Cyclone Arnab?
No. IMD forecasts a deep depression; Arnab applies only after cyclonic storm strength is reached.
Which coast is closest to the expected crossing point?
Kalingapatnam in north Andhra Pradesh is closest, with Gopalpur and Visakhapatnam also inside forecast corridor.
What wind speeds are expected near the coast?
Squally winds may reach 55–65 kmph, with gusts touching around 75 kmph near exposed coasts.
Are fishermen being advised to enter the sea?
No. IMD has advised fishermen to avoid Bay waters and adjoining coasts during hazardous conditions.
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