Monster cyclonic storm threatens over 12 million in east India
Cyclone Arnab is the first named storm of the 2026 North Indian Ocean cyclone season
Tropical Cyclone Arnab is the first named cyclone of the 2026 to form in the Bay of Bengal and is now threatening over 12 million people across Eastern India as it looks to make landfall early Wednesday morning.
The monstrous storm is forecast to peak with winds reaching almost 222 km/h, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, and is classified as "very severe."
Over 12 million people live within Arnab's forecast path, with the storm expected to make landfall in the populous city of Visakhapatnam in the Andhra Pradesh region. The city itself is home to over 2 million. For a Canadian perspective, it is similar to Montreal.
To the north, the city of Srikakulam is at risk of receiving over 250 mm of rainfall, which is nearly a month's worth of rain in one event.
Landslides, mudlsides, flooding, storm surge, and outages are all on the table as Arnab makes its approach. According to local news outlets, tens of thousands have already been evacuated by authorities in some of the more vulnerable areas.
Nepal, India's neighbouring country, is also on guard for impacts in the Himalayas following Arnab's anticipated landfall.
New super typhoon spins up in the Pacific
Meanwhile, the Pacific Ocean continues its above-average streak for storms this season with a new super typhoon gaining strength.
Super Typhoon In-Fa is expected to continue to strengthen as it tracks north of Guam. In-Fa will likely bring strong winds and rough surf to the island as it passes by.
This is the eleventh typhoon in the Western Pacific this season to be considered exceptionally strong.