Red Warning Issued for Fishing Vessels as Cyclonic Storm Arnab Strengthens

The Department of Meteorology has issued a Red Warning for strong winds and rough seas in the Bay of Bengal, urging naval and fishing communities to avoid affected sea areas as Cyclonic Storm “Arnab” continues to intensify.

According to the department, the deep depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal has developed into Cyclonic Storm Arnab and is moving westwards.

At 5.30 a.m. today (October 26), the storm was centred near latitude 15.4°N and longitude 88.9°E.

The weather system is expected to move west-northwestwards and strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by 1800 UTC today. It is subsequently forecast to develop into a very severe cyclonic storm over the same region on October 27.

Wind speeds in the affected sea areas could reach 80–100 kmph at times, while heavy thundershowers are also expected. Wave heights may rise to between 3.0 and 4.0 metres, creating very rough sea conditions.

In view of the hazardous conditions, the department has advised naval and fishing communities, particularly operators of multi-day fishing vessels, to refrain from entering sea areas bounded by latitudes 10°N to 20°N and longitudes 80°E to 95°E until further notice.

Vessels already operating within these areas have been urged to move away from the affected zones to ensure their safety.

The department has further called on naval and fishing communities to remain vigilant and closely monitor subsequent weather forecasts and advisories as the cyclone develops.