Cyclone Arnab intensifies, heavy rains expected across region

Cyclone Arnab strengthened into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm early on Friday, with meteorological authorities tracking its position at latitude 15.9°N and longitude 85.4°E as of 02:30 a.m. The storm system lay roughly 890 kilometres to the north-east of Sri Lanka's Kankesanthurai point.

The cyclone is forecast to continue its west-northwestward trajectory through the morning hours, with movement expected to persist until at least 05:30 a.m. Regional weather services have warned of intensified rainfall activity across affected areas as the system approaches the Indian subcontinent.

Meteorological departments across South Asia have placed residents on alert as the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm system moves through the Bay of Bengal. The intensification of Cyclone Arnab marks a significant development in its trajectory, with authorities monitoring its potential impact on coastal regions in the path of the storm system.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to monitor official weather updates and follow guidance from local disaster management authorities as conditions develop. Coastal communities are being urged to take necessary precautions ahead of the anticipated heavy rainfall and associated weather impacts.