A powerful weather system over the Bay of Bengal has moved inland after crossing the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coast, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds and the possibility of flooding across several areas. The India Meteorological Department has said the system was centred over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha on September 24 and was moving north-northwestwards while gradually weakening. The weather system has become a major focus of the latest IMD weather alert, particularly because its effects are expected to continue even after it moves away from the coast. Heavy rainfall can persist for several hours as the circulation travels inland, creating risks of waterlogging, flash flooding, road disruption and damage to vulnerable structures. Importantly, the system should not currently be described as a confirmed cyclone named Arnab. The name “Arnab” has been discussed because it is next on the regional cyclone naming list, but the IMD's latest bulletin continues to classify the system as a Deep Depression.

Andhra Pradesh and Odisha Remain Under Weather Watch

The north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coast have experienced intense weather activity as the system approached and crossed the coastline. The IMD reported that the Deep Depression was moving northwestwards and was likely to weaken into a Depression around the evening of September 24. The system crossed near Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, with reports of strong winds accompanying the landfall process. According to a September 24 update, winds associated with the system reached 55–65 kmph, with gusts of up to 75 kmph. For residents in affected districts, the immediate concern is no longer only the coastal crossing. The movement of the system inland means rainfall activity can spread into central and eastern parts of the country.

Heavy Rain Could Spread Across Several States

The latest Cyclone Arnab Update should therefore be understood in the context of the Deep Depression and its wider rainfall impact rather than as confirmation that a named cyclone has formed. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, including isolated extremely heavy rainfall, over parts of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Rainfall activity is also expected over areas of Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Such rainfall can create problems in low-lying locations. Roads may become waterlogged, visibility can fall sharply during intense showers, and localised flooding may occur where drainage systems are unable to handle concentrated rainfall.

Odisha Prepared for Heavy Rain and Possible Flooding

Odisha has been among the states most closely monitoring the system. Before the coastal crossing, authorities placed several districts on alert and prepared evacuation and emergency response measures. Earlier reports said schools were closed in affected areas and preparations were made for possible evacuations as heavy rain intensified. The state administration also activated emergency response arrangements in vulnerable locations. The situation highlights why residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas are being advised to follow official warnings rather than relying on social media reports about the storm's name or strength.

What Happened to the ‘Cyclone Arnab’ Possibility?

The term Cyclone Arnab began appearing in weather discussions after the system intensified from a depression into a Deep Depression. Arnab is reportedly the next name on the regional naming list if a qualifying cyclonic storm forms. However, the IMD had indicated that the system was expected to intensify only into a Deep Depression rather than becoming a named cyclone. As of September 24, the official IMD classification remained Deep Depression, and the system was forecast to weaken further. This distinction is important because a Deep Depression and a named Cyclonic Storm are different classifications under the meteorological system. Therefore, headlines suggesting that a full-fledged Cyclone Arnab has already formed would not accurately reflect the latest official classification.

Strong Winds and Rain Create Travel Concerns

The weather system could affect road, rail and other transport services in areas experiencing intense rainfall. The combination of heavy showers, poor visibility, waterlogging and strong winds can make travel difficult. The IMD has also highlighted the possibility of localised flash-flood conditions in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Travellers should check local weather bulletins before starting journeys, especially when travelling through districts under heavy-rain warnings. People living near rivers, streams, low-lying roads and vulnerable slopes should remain alert to sudden changes in water levels.

Weather System Moving Inland

The Deep Depression's movement inland is now the key development. The latest IMD bulletin said the system was moving north-northwestwards and was expected to gradually weaken into a Depression. Even as the wind circulation weakens, rainfall may continue because the system can transport significant moisture inland. This means the end of the coastal threat does not necessarily mean an immediate end to dangerous weather. Authorities in affected states are therefore likely to continue monitoring rainfall, flooding and infrastructure conditions.

What Residents Should Watch For

Residents in affected areas should pay attention to official warnings about heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. During intense thunderstorms, people should avoid open areas and unnecessary travel. Drivers should exercise caution on waterlogged roads, while residents in flood-prone locations should remain prepared to move to safer areas if authorities issue evacuation instructions. The most important update at present is that the weather system has crossed the coast and is moving inland while weakening. Its rainfall impact, however, remains significant across parts of eastern and central India.

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Is Cyclone Arnab formed in the Bay of Bengal?

As of September 24, the IMD is classifying the system as a Deep Depression, not a named cyclone. The name Arnab has been discussed because it is next on the regional cyclone naming list.

Where did the Deep Depression cross the coast?

The system crossed the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coast near the Kalingapatnam area.

Which states are facing heavy rain?

The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall over parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with rainfall also expected in Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Gangetic West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.

Will the weather system weaken?

Yes. The latest IMD bulletin said the Deep Depression was expected to move north-northwestwards and gradually weaken into a Depression.