India has evacuated thousands from its eastern coast ahead of Cyclone Arnab, as authorities prepare for strong winds and heavy rainfall.

The cyclone is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast by Wednesday forenoon.

The India Meteorological Department forecasts sustained winds of 115-125 kmph, with gusts reaching 140 kmph, as Arnab crosses near Yanam between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.

Arnab strengthened after forming over the Bay of Bengal and was positioned over its west-central waters on Tuesday morning. It was moving west-northwestwards ahead of an expected turn towards the coast.

Weather effects are anticipated across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, with alerts and precautionary measures in place.

Northern coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Srikakulam, face warnings for heavy rain, while strong winds are already affecting sections of the coastline.

Several container-handling ports along India’s east coast are within areas facing cyclone warnings as Arnab approaches Andhra Pradesh.

Potentially impacted container ports include Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, and Krishnapatnam, all of which have received cyclone or storm warnings as Arnab approaches India’s east coast.

The storm could also affect neighbouring Nepal. Authorities have warned that Arnab could bring torrential rain, snowstorms and avalanches to the Himalayan region from Thursday night until Saturday.