Cyclone Arnab Strengthens Further in Evening Bulletin: Winds of 89 km/h Near Centre, May Cross Andhra Coast on 28 October

Severe cyclonic storm Arnab, positioned over the Bay of Bengal, may intensify further into a very severe cyclonic storm. According to a special bulletin of the Meteorological Department, it may cross India's Andhra coast on 28 October.

The Met Department said in a special bulletin on Monday (26 October) that cyclone Arnab, which was over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining west-central Bay, has moved west-northwestwards, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, and is now positioned over the west-central Bay and adjoining areas.

At 6 pm on Monday, the cyclone was located 870 kilometres south-west of Chattogram port, 810 kilometres south-west of Cox's Bazar port, 795 kilometres south of Mongla port and 770 kilometres south of Payra port.

Within 64 kilometres of the cyclone centre, the maximum sustained wind speed is 89 kilometres per hour, increasing to 117 kilometres per hour in gusts. The sea is rough near the centre.

Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra seaports have been asked to lower distant warning signal No. 2 and instead hoist local cautionary signal No. 3.

Fishing boats and trawlers in the north Bay of Bengal have been asked to remain close to the coast and proceed with caution until further notice.