Cyclone Arnab IMD Alert: Deep Depression Crosses Andhra-Odisha Coast; Red Alert Issued

The weather system, which has been named Cyclone Arnab, has already made landfall at the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coastline, but the weather hazard is far from over yet. As per the latest forecast of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the weather system made landfall southwest of Kalingapatnam on the night of September 23-24 as a deep depression. The system has now moved further inland into north coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Strong winds and heavy rains are likely to continue in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha due to this weather system. IMD has reported wind speeds of up to 55-65 kmph with gusting to 75 kmph while crossing the coast. Although the weather system is forecasted to weaken slowly, heavy to very heavy rainfall continues to be a major threat.

It is worth noting that there is no mention by the IMD that the weather system has developed into a severe tropical cyclone. Now the immediate danger posed by this deep depression is its movement inland and the rains associated with it.

Where Did the Deep Depression Cross the Coast?

Deep depression was observed along the coastal region in northern Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha, close to the south of Kalingapatnam. Earlier, it was predicted by IMD that the depression will move from Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur. Later, the observation showed that the coastal region of Kalingapatnam was affected by the deep depression.

After moving from the coast, the weather system moved towards the inland region in the west-north-west direction. By around 5:30 am of September 24, the system was located in north coastal Andhra Pradesh, 50 km away from west of Kalingapatnam and 80 km northeast-northwest of Visakhapatnam.

Why Is It Being Called Cyclone Arnab?

While the weather system was being formed over Bay of Bengal, it was given the name of “Cyclone Arnab”. But it is to be noted that the weather system is classified as deep depression by IMD. This aspect is crucial for understanding the situation.

As per the information released by IMD, the weather system is classified as a deep depression system, not as cyclone. This aspect becomes crucial for warnings and wind speeds. Headlines may still refer to it as “Cyclone Arnab” but the system is a deep depression according to IMD’s latest release.

Red Alert and Heavy Rain Warning

Of the many risks after the landfall, rainfall stands out the most. As per the IMD, there will be very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience extremely heavy rainfall on 24th September, whereas more rainfall and thunderstorm will follow with the passage of this system in the inland area.

It will not be just the coastal region that will experience the effect of this system. Very heavy rainfall is predicted to occur in the regions of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.

For those people who have to face the intensity of rainfall, the main risks include waterlogging, flooding, poor visibility and disruption in transport.

What Happens to the System Now?

The deep depression is anticipated to move north-westward after making landfall. In the latest forecast, it is stated that the deep depression will maintain its strength for about 12 hours, after which it will slowly dissipate. It will weaken to a depression by Thursday evening, after which it will weaken further to a well-marked low-pressure system.

This means that the landfall does not mark the end of the weather event. Despite the wind speeds being reduced, there is still the potential to generate heavy rains after crossing the coast.

Andhra Pradesh Faces Continued Weather Risk

This state is also important in the current scenario since the system has progressed inland by traveling through the northern parts of Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and surface winds in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Due to the saturated soil conditions, along with the ongoing rainfall, there are chances that waterlogging and flooding may occur in certain regions. People living in low-lying areas are advised to follow local administration and weather warnings even after the passage of the system from the coastal areas.

Odisha Remains on High Alert

There was also heavy rainfall in Odisha as the system progressed and passed across the coastline. Prior to the coastal crossing of the system, authorities had already taken necessary precautions, which include closure of schools, among others.

The continued rainfall indicates that the disaster management mechanism of the state still plays a crucial role even after the weakening of the system.

What Should People Do During the Weather Alert?

Persons living in the concerned areas are advised not to travel unnecessarily during heavy rains and high winds. Those living in low-lying or flood-prone areas must take heed of the evacuation directions provided by the authorities without delay.

Loose objects in the outside environment must be secured, and persons must refrain from being in close proximity to any electric facilities that have been compromised or any fallen trees.

Persons traveling through Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and surrounding states must obtain updates on road and railway weather conditions before setting out on their journeys.

Why the Threat Continues After Landfall

There is the common misconception that a weather system stops being dangerous as soon as it moves onto the coastline. This does not have to be the case.

A tropical weather system might still hold much moisture inland, even with the wind speeds reduced. Continued rainfall may cause flooding, landslides, waterlogging, and transport disruptions.

This is why the current weather advisories keep focusing on rainfall rather than just the coastal wind.

What Is the Latest IMD Forecast?

As per the current IMD report, the deep depression has moved onto the coast and it is moving inland now. It is anticipated to lose intensity in the coming days, however, heavy rain and wind will still be possible while the system moves inland.

Therefore, the weather situation changes from being one of potential coastal landfall to one of continued rainfall.

Conclusion

The IMD warning for Cyclone Arnab has reached a different stage now as the deep depression has crossed the coastal region of north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha near Kalingapatnam.

Despite the fact that the deep depression has made its way towards land and will probably get weakened, the immediate hazard does not vanish yet. The heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong wind, waterlogging, and local flooding are still the most critical problems for parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the nearby states.

The latest warnings from the IMD have predicted gradual weakening of the system.

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