The weather system made in Bay of Bengal has been the centre of attention for September 2206. This system is referred as Cyclone Arnab in some reports but in official bulletins of India Meteorological Department it is classified as Deep Depression. According to IMD the system affected the coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Odisha areas and then started getting weak gradually.

System Crossed the Coast

According to IMD forecast deep depression crossed Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast around Kalingapatnam. Before this the system was travelling in the west-northwest direction and was a threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall. After the landfall it kept moving inland and the impact was seen in area Odisha and adjoining areas.

Why Cyclone Arnab is Trending

“Cyclone Arnab” name was widely circulated in the social media and news reports but an important clarification about this must be given.  IMD tracked this weather system as a Deep Depression and not a cyclone. In the reports “Arnab” was the potential cyclone name if system reaches the cyclonic storm intensity.

Heavy Rainfall Impact

The major impact of this system was in the from of rainfall. There was a heavy rainfall forecast in areas of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha while in the isolated areas there was a possibility of extremely heavy rainfall. The rain activity was particularly significant in coastal Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha.

Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on Alert

After looking at the weather system’s approach authorities activated precautionary measures in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. In the vulnerable districts of Odisha administration already prepared a rescue team on standby, prepared cyclone shelters and made arrangements in case of emergency. In some areas schools were also closed because of the precautionary reasons.

What Happens Next?

Latest information from IMD suggests that deep depression started getting weak after moving into the land. On September 24 the sea-area bulletin reported the system is above south Odisha and adjoining north coastal Andhra Pradesh where it started moving into the north-northwest direction and there was a possibility of depression getting weak.

Weather Advisory for Residents

There is risk of water logging and local disruption in the low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall. Residents in the coastal regions should follow IMD advisories. It is important to stay safe from unnecessary travels, flooded roads and rough sea conditions especially when local authorities issue restrictions and warnings.