Cyclone Arnab LIVE Updates: IMD Track, Bay Depression, Kolkata and West Bengal Forecast

26 October 2026, 2:30 PM IST observation — IMD reports stronger Cyclonic Storm Arnab in 5:00 PM national bulletin

New official observation: The India Meteorological Department’s National Bulletin No. 11 (BOB/08/2026), issued at 5:00 PM IST on 26 October, places Cyclonic Storm Arnab at 15.5°N, 87.8°E at 2:30 PM IST, around 540 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 520 km southeast of Gopalpur. IMD reports west-northwestward movement of about 13 km/h during the preceding six hours. Its dated observation row lists estimated maximum sustained winds of 85–95 km/h, gusting to 105 km/h, compared with 65–75 km/h gusting to 85 km/h in IMD Kolkata’s earlier 8:30 AM observation. These are storm-area intensity estimates, not wind speeds recorded in Kolkata.

Forecast, not an observed upgrade: The 5:00 PM bulletin still classifies Arnab as a cyclonic storm at 2:30 PM. Its later table rows project severe cyclonic storm intensity by the evening of 26 October and very severe cyclonic storm intensity on 27 October. IMD continues to forecast a crossing of the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam, by the forenoon of 28 October, potentially with sustained winds of 115–125 km/h, gusting to 140 km/h. Neither later classification nor landfall is confirmed by the 2:30 PM observation.

West Bengal outlook: The same national bulletin retains isolated heavy-rain forecasts for coastal Gangetic West Bengal on 28–29 October and for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on 29–30 October. It forecasts 40–50 km/h winds, gusting to 60 km/h, and rough to very rough seas along and off the West Bengal coast particularly from the evening of 27 October through the evening of 28 October. Fishermen remain advised not to venture into the northwest Bay of Bengal or along and off the West Bengal coast from 27–29 October. The previously reported district-specific warnings and Kolkata/Haldia port signals remain the latest separately checked local advisories; this bulletin does not establish a Kolkata landfall, a city evacuation order or confirmed local damage.

26 October 2026, 4:32 PM IST reporting — South Coast Railway announces precautionary train cancellations and curtailed services

Material passenger-travel restriction, not a cyclone impact already experienced: South Coast Railway has announced eight train services cancelled on specified dates and two Hirakhand Express services curtailed at Rayagada as precautions ahead of Cyclonic Storm Arnab. The railway statement and individual train numbers were reported by The Indian Express, updated 26 October at 4:32 PM IST, with the same service details independently published by Pragativadi on 26 October. MOJO PULSE has not independently obtained the original signed South Coast Railway notice; passengers should verify their particular departure with Indian Railways before travelling.

Cancelled services and departure dates: 18515/18516 Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Night Express in both directions, 29 October–4 November; 58538 Visakhapatnam–Koraput Passenger, 27–30 October, and return 58537, 28–31 October; 18512 Visakhapatnam–Koraput Intercity, 30 October, and return 18511, 31 October; 58501/58502 Visakhapatnam–Kirandul Passenger in both directions, 27–30 October. These are eight train numbers, each with its own affected departure dates; they are not eight individual journeys.

Short-terminated/short-originated services: 18447 Bhubaneswar–Jagdalpur Hirakhand Express departures 27–30 October are reported to terminate at Rayagada. The return 18448 Jagdalpur–Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express departures 28–31 October are reported to start at Rayagada instead of their usual origin. This is a restriction on specified Odisha–Andhra rail corridors, not a verified cancellation of Kolkata or Howrah services. Check the latest railway operational notice or live train status for changes.

Official weather context and observation time: The latest IMD Kolkata Special Bulletin No. 07, issued 26 October at 2:30 PM IST still gives the 8:30 AM IST observed Cyclonic Storm Arnab centre at 15.4°N, 88.5°E, with estimated sustained winds of 65–75 km/h, gusting to 85 km/h. The IMD Kolkata sea-area bulletin issued at 6:00 PM IST repeats that older observed centre and does not establish a newer intensity upgrade. IMD’s potential 28 October Andhra Pradesh–Yanam landfall and very severe cyclonic storm intensity remain forecasts. For West Bengal, the previously reported 27–29 October fishing advice, port warning signals and district rainfall forecasts remain the relevant official precautions; no Kolkata evacuation order was established by these sources.

26 October 2026, 2:30 PM IST IMD bulletin — West Burdwan added to heavy-rain warning; Bengal coastal wind forecast strengthened

Material district warning revision: IMD Kolkata Special Bulletin No. 07, issued at 2:30 PM IST on 26 October, now includes West Burdwan among districts forecast to receive isolated heavy rain of 7–11 cm during 8:30 AM on 29 October to 8:30 AM on 30 October. The complete list for that period is East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia and West Burdwan. The preceding 28–29 October heavy-rain warning remains focused on South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore and Jhargram. These are district-level forecasts, not observed rainfall or confirmed flooding. Kolkata is not among the named isolated-heavy-rain districts in this bulletin.

Revised West Bengal marine forecast: IMD now forecasts 40–50 km/h winds, gusting to 60 km/h, along and off the West Bengal coast and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal during 27–29 October, with rough to very rough seas. This is higher than the 35–45 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h, quoted in the earlier bulletin. The 27–29 October no-fishing advice remains; deep-sea vessels have been advised to return by 26 October. Distant Warning Signal No. 2 remains hoisted at Kolkata and Haldia, with Sectional Signals II and III at Sagar Island. The separately issued Kolkata coastal bulletin at 2:01 PM IST reports no immediate storm-surge warning for the West Bengal coast; this does not cancel the later-period marine warnings.

Observed storm status versus forecast: Special Bulletin No. 07 retains the 8:30 AM IST, 26 October observed centre at 15.4°N, 88.5°E and reports prevailing winds of 65–75 km/h, gusting to 85 km/h over the storm area. The officially named system remains Cyclonic Storm Arnab in this bulletin. The subsequent 11:30 AM and later positions in its forecast table are projections, not later verified observations. IMD forecasts possible very severe cyclonic storm intensity on 27 October and a crossing of the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast near Yanam, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, by the forenoon of 28 October; landfall has not occurred at the bulletin time. No Kolkata evacuation order or confirmed local disruption is established by this update.

26 October 2026, afternoon verification — Odisha restricts tourist visits in six southern districts; IMD confirms Arnab at 8:30 AM

New reported travel restrictions in Odisha: Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that sea fishing has been prohibited and tourist entry to hills, waterfalls, dams and other scenic destinations is restricted in six vulnerable southern districts: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur. The statement was reported by Press Trust of India, 26 October, updated 12:07 PM IST, and NDTV Profit, 26 October, 12:41 PM IST. This is a reported government announcement; MOJO PULSE has not obtained the individual signed district restriction orders. Visitors should verify access with district authorities before travel. These Odisha restrictions are not a Kolkata tourism or transport closure.

Educational closures: distinction between announcements: PTI also reports the minister saying educational institutions in the six identified districts will close on 28–29 October. An earlier Odisha Chief Minister’s Office statement dated 24 October specifically named only five districts for closure and left decisions in other districts to their collectors. The newer ministerial report includes Nabarangpur; because an updated signed education order has not been independently obtained, families in Nabarangpur should confirm with their district administration or school. Neither announcement verifies that forecast impacts have occurred.

Latest observed cyclone position available in the checked Kolkata marine bulletins: IMD Kolkata’s coastal weather bulletin issued at 2:01 PM IST on 26 October reports Cyclonic Storm Arnab centred near 15.4°N, 88.5°E at 8:30 AM IST on 26 October, after westward movement of about 15 km/h over the preceding six hours. This is a later observed position than the 5:30 AM centre (15.4°N, 88.9°E) in the previous update. The last separately verified storm-wind estimate remains 60–70 km/h, gusting to 80 km/h, at 5:30 AM IST; do not assign those winds to the 8:30 AM observation without a matching bulletin.

Forecast and West Bengal precautions: IMD still forecasts further intensification and a possible Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coastal crossing between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of 28 October, with 115–125 km/h sustained winds, gusting to 140 km/h at landfall. This is a forecast, not an observed upgrade or landfall. The 2:01 PM Kolkata bulletin retains Distant Warning Signal No. 2 at Kolkata and Haldia and Sectional Signals II and III at Sagar Island, with no immediate storm-surge warning for the West Bengal coast in that bulletin. The 26 October IMD subdivision warnings continue to flag heavy rain in Gangetic West Bengal on 28–29 October and in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on 29–30 October. Previously published Bengal fishing advice remains relevant. No new Kolkata evacuation order was verified.

26 October 2026, 11:00 AM IST IMD bulletin — Kolkata and Haldia port warning signals raised as Cyclone Arnab approaches Andhra Pradesh

New verified West Bengal marine advisory: IMD Kolkata’s Special Bulletin No. 06, issued at 11:00 AM IST on 26 October, says Distant Warning Signal No. 2 is hoisted at Kolkata and Haldia ports, with Sectional Signals No. II and III at Sagar Island Port. This replaces the previously reported Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 at Kolkata and Haldia. These are port and maritime warnings, not evidence of a cyclone landfall in Kolkata or an order to evacuate the city.

Observed cyclone status versus forecast: The 11:00 AM Kolkata bulletin still uses IMD’s 5:30 AM IST, 26 October observation of officially named Cyclonic Storm Arnab near 15.4°N, 88.9°E, with estimated sustained winds of 60–70 km/h, gusting to 80 km/h. Its later 11:30 AM position of 15.5°N, 88.1°E and winds of 70–80 km/h appear in a forecast table and must not be presented as a confirmed observation. IMD continues to forecast possible intensification to a very severe cyclonic storm and a crossing of the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of 28 October, with projected landfall winds of 115–125 km/h, gusting to 140 km/h. These figures remain forecasts, not actual landfall measurements.

What Bengal residents and fishing communities should know: IMD’s 11:00 AM bulletin continues to advise no fishing along or off the West Bengal and Odisha coasts from 27–29 October, with deep-sea fishing discouraged from 26 October and vessels already offshore advised to return by 26 October. Squally winds of 35–45 km/h, occasionally gusting to 55 km/h, are forecast along and off the West Bengal coast from 27–29 October. Isolated heavy rain of 7–11 cm is forecast for South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore and Jhargram during 28–29 October, and for East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia during 29–30 October. Kolkata is not listed among those isolated heavy-rain districts, though thunderstorms and gusts of 30–40 km/h are forecast for parts of South Bengal. IMD also flags possible temporary waterlogging and says beach or recreational activity may be regulated; this is not a verified blanket beach closure. IMD Kolkata subdivision warnings, dated 26 October.

Regional preparedness, independently reported: Reuters reported on 26 October, citing a senior Andhra Pradesh disaster-management official, that approximately 570,000 people have been identified as vulnerable and evacuations were scheduled to begin on Monday evening. This is a reported preparedness plan, not confirmation that 570,000 people have already been evacuated; it concerns Andhra Pradesh, not Kolkata.

Source and timing: IMD Kolkata Special Bulletin No. 06 was issued at 11:00 AM IST on 26 October and uses the 5:30 AM observed cyclone centre. The separate Kolkata coastal bulletin currently accessible on the IMD site still displays an older 25 October port-signal status; the newer, explicitly dated Special Bulletin No. 06 takes precedence for the warning change. Readers should follow subsequent official bulletins for further revisions.

26 October 2026, 8:30 AM IST — IMD officially names Cyclonic Storm Arnab; 5:30 AM observed centre at 15.4°N, 88.9°E

Major confirmed upgrade: The India Meteorological Department’s Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, has officially classified and named the system Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” (pronounced “Ornab”). Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 01 was issued at 3:00 UTC (8:30 AM IST) on Monday, 26 October 2026, using observations from 00:00 UTC (5:30 AM IST). This replaces the earlier deep-depression classification and the previously provisional use of the name. Primary source: IMD/RSMC Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 01, 26 October 2026.

Observed storm status: At 5:30 AM IST on 26 October, Arnab’s centre was near 15.4°N, 88.9°E over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, approximately 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 730 km east-southeast of Kakinada. IMD estimated maximum sustained winds of 60–70 km/h, gusting to 80 km/h, and westward movement of around 15 km/h during the preceding six hours. These are storm-centre estimates, not observed winds in Kolkata.

Forecast, not an observed landfall: IMD expects further strengthening, potentially reaching very severe cyclonic storm intensity on 27 October, and forecasts a crossing of the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around 11:30 AM IST on 28 October. Its forecast landfall intensity is 115–125 km/h, gusting to 140 km/h. A forecast 1.0–1.5-metre storm surge above astronomical tide concerns low-lying areas near East Godavari and Yanam at landfall, not the Kolkata coast. The projected track, timing and intensity may change.

West Bengal and Kolkata: The IMD Kolkata subdivision warning table dated 26 October continues to indicate heavy rain and thunderstorms for Gangetic West Bengal on 28–29 October and heavy rain in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on 29–30 October. The previously published district-level rainfall warnings and 27–29 October fishing advisory remain important precautions, subject to updated official bulletins. The storm’s official naming does not mean it has made landfall or that a Kolkata evacuation order has been issued. Earlier dated sections below accurately record what IMD knew at their respective times, but their statements that the name was still prospective are now superseded.

26 October 2026, morning verification — IMD confirms overnight west-northwest movement; cyclone classification still unconfirmed

Observed position, not a forecast: IMD Visakhapatnam’s coastal bulletin issued at 4:13 AM IST on 26 October reports that the deep depression was centred near 15.3°N, 89.7°E at 11:30 PM IST on 25 October, approximately 730 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. It moved west-northwestwards at about 15 km/h over the preceding six hours. This supersedes the earlier 5:30 PM observed centre of 15.1°N, 90.5°E. Source: IMD Visakhapatnam coastal bulletin, issued 26 October, 4:13 AM IST.

Forecast, not yet observed: IMD continues to project strengthening into a cyclonic storm, potentially becoming a very severe cyclonic storm before crossing the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of 28 October, with forecast sustained winds of 115–125 km/h, gusting to 140 km/h. The verified bulletin still calls the observed system a deep depression; the name Arnab has not been confirmed as officially assigned in this bulletin. IMD tropical outlook, issued 25 October, 10 PM IST.

West Bengal implications: IMD’s 26 October subdivision warning table continues to flag heavy rain and thunderstorms in Gangetic West Bengal on 28–29 October, and heavy rain in Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on 29–30 October. Previously reported district warnings and fishing advice remain in force subject to newer official bulletins. The IMD Kolkata sea-area bulletin issued at 6:00 AM IST on 26 October still references an older observed position, so it should not be mistaken for a newer cyclone upgrade. No Kolkata landfall or evacuation order is established by these sources.

26 October 2026, 2:21 AM IST verification — Chilika Lake ferry and tourist boat services suspended through 29 October

New travel and transport restriction reported in Odisha: The Puri district administration has directed a temporary halt to ferry and tourist boat services on Chilika Lake from Monday, 26 October, through Thursday, 29 October 2026, as a precaution ahead of the Bay of Bengal weather system. The restriction was reported on 25 October by two regional news outlets citing the district administration’s advisory. It affects visitors planning boat trips and passengers using the lake’s ferry links, including services between Jhanikuda and Satapada. Times of India report, 25 October, 5:44 PM IST · OMMCOM News report, 25 October.

Enforcement and traveller implications: The reports say police, block development officers and tehsildars have been asked to enforce the precautionary order. Travellers should not assume tourist cruises or local lake ferries will operate between 26 and 29 October and should check with the Puri district administration before setting out. The newsroom has corroborated the reported dates and scope across the two published accounts, but has not independently obtained the signed district order; any amendment or early resumption will require a fresh official confirmation. This is an Odisha travel restriction, not a Kolkata transport shutdown.

Storm observation remains unchanged: The latest IMD Kolkata sea-area bulletin valid from 2:30 AM IST on 26 October and coastal bulletin issued at 9:59 PM IST on 25 October still refer to the 5:30 PM IST, 25 October observed deep depression at 15.1°N, 90.5°E. Forecast cyclonic-storm formation on 26 October is not proof of an observed upgrade. Arnab remains a prospective name in the official material checked at this time; Cyclocane also still labels Arnab inactive. The previous West Bengal fishing, district rainfall and North Bengal warnings remain as reported; no new Kolkata evacuation or transport restriction was verified.

26 October 2026, 12:55 AM IST verification — IMD flags heavy-rain risk in North Bengal on 29–30 October

Newly verified district-level forecast, not an observed storm impact: The India Meteorological Department’s North Bengal weather warnings, dated 25 October 2026 (night issue), indicate isolated heavy rainfall of 7–11 cm in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri for both 29 October, 8:30 AM–30 October, 8:30 AM IST and 30 October, 8:30 AM–31 October, 8:30 AM IST. Kalimpong and Alipurduar are also flagged for isolated heavy rainfall during the 30–31 October period. The forecast additionally flags thunderstorms, lightning and isolated gusts of 30–40 km/h in affected northern districts.

Why this matters locally: IMD identifies possible temporary waterlogging, disruption to crops and landslide risk in hilly parts of Darjeeling as forecast impacts, not reported incidents. The subdivision warning table dated 26 October likewise marks heavy rain and thunderstorms for Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim on 29–30 October. These northern alerts extend the geographic focus beyond the already reported South Bengal coastal and district warnings for 28–29 October. Residents should check updated district bulletins before hill travel and follow local advisories if heavy rain develops.

Storm classification unchanged at this verification: The most recent IMD tropical outlook and national bulletin available to this desk still use the 5:30 PM IST, 25 October observed deep-depression centre at 15.1°N, 90.5°E, with estimated sustained winds of 55–65 km/h, gusting to 75 km/h. The national bulletin continues to forecast further intensification; a forecast time is not evidence that the system has already become a cyclonic storm. Arnab remains a prospective name, not an officially confirmed storm name in the checked official material. There is no verified new evacuation order for Kolkata.

25 October 2026, 10:30 PM IST verification — IMD confirms westward movement and stronger winds; cyclone naming still pending

New official observation, not a model projection: The India Meteorological Department’s special tropical weather outlook issued at 10:00 PM IST on 25 October (based on 5:30 PM IST observations) confirms the system remains a deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. Its centre was observed at 15.1°N, 90.5°E at 5:30 PM IST, around 820 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. It had moved westwards at about 8 km/h over the preceding six hours. Estimated maximum sustained winds increased to 55–65 km/h, gusting to 75 km/h, compared with 50–60 km/h gusting to 70 km/h in the 11:30 AM observation. These are IMD estimates of the system’s wind intensity, not wind speeds observed in Kolkata.

Forecast remains distinct: IMD expects cyclonic-storm intensity by early 26 October and forecasts a possible crossing of the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around 28 October as a very severe cyclonic storm, with forecast sustained winds of 115–125 km/h gusting to 140 km/h. Neither cyclonic-storm status nor the proposed name Arnab has been officially confirmed in this evening outlook. The forecast landfall location and intensity may change.

West Bengal coastal conditions, as separately forecast: IMD Kolkata’s coastal weather bulletin issued at 9:59 PM IST expects rain at one or two places along the West Bengal coast, north-to-northeasterly winds of 10–15 knots and smooth-to-slight seas during its immediate bulletin period. It maintains Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 at Kolkata Port and Sectional Signal No. III at Sagar Island, with no immediate storm-surge warning for the West Bengal coast in that bulletin. These near-term conditions do not cancel the previously reported 27–29 October fishing restrictions or 28–29 October district rainfall warnings.

What has changed: The observed centre has moved west and IMD’s estimated winds have strengthened slightly since its earlier observation. What has not changed: the system remains a deep depression, its name is not yet official, and no new Kolkata evacuation order has been established.

25 October 2026, 9:40 PM IST verification — Odisha confirms school closures and evacuation preparedness as Bay system remains a deep depression

Verified government preparedness measures, not cyclone landfall: Odisha’s Chief Minister’s Office has confirmed that schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri will remain closed on 28–29 October in anticipation of the approaching Bay of Bengal system. The state government’s 24 October preparedness announcement also states that 302 rescue teams have been kept ready, with instructions to relocate residents of low-lying areas to safer shelters and arrange healthcare support for pregnant women and patients. This is an official precautionary directive; it does not establish that all planned evacuations have already taken place. Odisha Chief Minister’s Office: preparedness review dated 24 October.

Forecast risk along the likely landfall coast: IMD’s 3:00 PM IST special tropical weather outlook on 25 October projects a possible 1.0–1.5-metre storm surge above the astronomical tide in low-lying areas near Kakinada and Yanam, Andhra Pradesh, at landfall. This is a forecast warning, not an observed surge or a warning for Kolkata. IMD continues to project a potential crossing of the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around 28 October, subject to track and intensity revisions. IMD special tropical weather outlook, issued 25 October at 3:00 PM IST.

Current observed status: The latest official observation verified for this update remains the 11:30 AM IST, 25 October deep depression at 15.1°N, 91.0°E, with maximum sustained winds of 50–60 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h. Positions and intensities for 5:30 PM and 11:30 PM appearing in the earlier IMD forecast table are predictions, not verified observations. The cyclone name Arnab has not been officially assigned in the checked bulletin. West Bengal’s already-reported 27–29 October fishing advice, port cautionary signals and district rainfall warnings remain the relevant local precautions; no new Kolkata evacuation order is established by Odisha’s measures.

25 October 2026, 4:00 PM IST bulletin — West Bengal fishermen advised to stay ashore from 27–29 October; district rain alerts detailed

New official coastal safety guidance: IMD Kolkata’s Special Bulletin No. 05, issued at 4:00 PM IST on 25 October, advises fishermen not to venture into the sea along or off the West Bengal coast from 27 to 29 October. It separately advises against entering the deep sea over the central and adjoining northern Bay of Bengal from 26 October and tells those already in deep waters to return to the coast by 26 October. This is an official forecast-based precaution; it does not mean a cyclone has already reached West Bengal.

Coastal wind and port signals: IMD forecasts winds of 35–45 km/h, occasionally gusting to 55 km/h, along and off the West Bengal coast from 27 to 29 October, with seas occasionally rough to very rough. The special bulletin says Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 is hoisted at Kolkata and Haldia ports, with Sectional Signal No. III at Sagar Island Port. Port signals and marine advisories should not be confused with an order to evacuate Kolkata.

District-specific rainfall forecast: For 28 October, 8:30 AM to 29 October, 8:30 AM IST, IMD forecasts isolated heavy rainfall of 7–11 cm in South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, West Midnapore and Jhargram. For the following 24 hours, the heavy-rain risk extends to East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 km/h are forecast at isolated locations in South 24 Parganas and the two Midnapore districts during this period.

Kolkata forecast: The city is forecast to see light to moderate rain or thundershowers during the 28–29 October period, with isolated lightning and gusts around 30–40 km/h; the 4:00 PM IMD bulletin does not place Kolkata itself in the isolated 7–11 cm heavy-rain group. The possibility of local waterlogging is a forecast impact, not a confirmed incident.

Storm status unchanged: The 4:00 PM special bulletin reiterates the 11:30 AM IST observation of a deep depression near 15.1°N, 91.0°E, with winds of 50–60 km/h gusting to 70 km/h. A cyclonic storm and the name Arnab remain prospective, not officially observed or assigned. The separate sea-area bulletin issued at 6:00 PM repeats an older 8:30 AM depression observation; that is not evidence the system weakened after the later deep-depression observation. Check the dated marine bulletin.

25 October 2026, 3:00 PM IST — IMD upgrades Bay system to a deep depression; cautionary port signals for Kolkata and Sagar

Observed, not forecast: IMD’s special tropical weather outlook, issued at 3:00 PM IST (09:30 UTC) and based on observations at 11:30 AM IST (06:00 UTC), confirms that the system intensified from a depression into a deep depression. The centre was near 15.1°N, 91.0°E, about 870 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam, after moving southwestwards at around 5 km/h. Estimated maximum sustained winds were 50–60 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h. The system has not yet been officially named Arnab.

Forecast, not yet observed: IMD projects cyclonic-storm intensity by the morning of 26 October, possible further strengthening, and crossing of the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around 11:30 AM IST on 28 October, potentially with sustained winds of 115–125 km/h, gusting to 140 km/h. The track, timing and intensity may change. Source: IMD special tropical weather outlook, 25 October, 3:00 PM IST.

West Bengal marine precautions: A separate IMD Kolkata coastal bulletin issued at 2:52 PM IST directed that Distant Cautionary Signal No. 1 remain hoisted at Kolkata Port and Sectional Signal No. III at Sagar Island Port. The same bulletin forecast mainly dry weather and smooth-to-slight seas along the West Bengal coast during its immediate validity period. The port signals are precautions, not confirmation of landfall near Kolkata.

Bengal rain outlook: IMD’s 25 October subdivision warnings flag thunderstorms and lightning in Gangetic West Bengal on 25–27 October, with heavy rain possible on 28–29 October. District-specific orders and travel restrictions must be independently verified.

Update clarification: The earlier 8:30 AM IST depression observation is retained below as part of the reporting record but has been superseded by the 11:30 AM IST deep-depression observation. The name “Arnab” remains prospective until officially assigned by IMD.

Earlier Kolkata marine bulletin — 25 October 2026, 8:30 AM IST observation (superseded by 11:30 AM upgrade)

IMD’s Kolkata sea-area bulletin, valid from 9:00 UTC on 25 October, describes a depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. At 8:30 AM IST, the centre was near 15.3°N, 91.2°E, about 440 km north-northwest of Sri Vijaya Puram, 880 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam and 980 km east-southeast of Kakinada.

IMD forecasts further strengthening into a deep depression and then a cyclonic storm by the morning of 26 October; the outlook indicates possible severe cyclonic-storm intensity around 27 October and a potential crossing of the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam around 28 October. These are forecast scenarios, not completed events. Read the IMD Kolkata sea-area bulletin.

For West Bengal, IMD’s subdivision warning table issued on 25 October flags thunderstorms and lightning in Gangetic West Bengal on 25–27 October, and heavy-rain risk on 28–29 October. The warning status for individual districts and particular days can change; readers should follow the current bulletin rather than assume every district faces the same risk. See the latest subdivisional warnings.

What is not confirmed: an official cyclone-name declaration, cyclone landfall, a cyclone warning requiring evacuation in Kolkata, casualty counts or any disruption that has not yet happened.