Cyclone Arnab struck the Indian coast in late October 2026. The storm caused widespread damage to homes, farms, and infrastructure.
Cyclone Arnab formed in the Bay of Bengal on October 25, 2026. This storm marked the first named cyclone of the season. The season usually begins earlier in the spring months.
Also, the VIIRS sensor on the NOAA-20 satellite captured images of the storm. The satellite recorded the cyclone at night on October 26. At that time, winds reached 140 kilometers per hour.
Next, the India Meteorological Department tracked the storm's progress. They measured sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour during landfall. This intensity classifies as a very severe cyclonic storm.
Then, the storm hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh and Yanam on October 28. It moved between the cities of Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. This region contains many farms, cities, and fishing villages.
As a result, the cyclone caused significant damage to the area. High winds knocked down trees and damaged many homes. The storm also ruined crops and blocked power lines.
Meanwhile, local officials took action to protect residents. Authorities evacuated tens of thousands of people from coastal areas. These efforts helped reduce risks to the local population.
However, the storm occurred during a period of El Niño. This climate pattern warms water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. It often changes weather patterns across the entire world.
Finally, some researchers study how El Niño affects the Bay of Bengal. Studies show that this climate event often lowers cyclone activity. The region typically sees fewer and weaker storms during these years.