Andhra Pradesh has experienced 61 cyclonic storms since 1970, but only a few have intensified into Very Severe Cyclonic Storms (VSCS). The State is now bracing for one such storm, Arnab, nearly eight years after Titli struck in October 2018.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) records of cyclonic storms that affected the Andhra Pradesh coast between 1970 and 2023, the State witnessed 10 Very Severe Cyclonic Storms during the period. Arnab would be the 11th, if it reaches this intensity.
The IMD classifies cyclonic storms based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. A cyclonic storm has wind speeds of 62-88 kmph, a severe cyclonic storm 89-117 kmph, and a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm 118-167 kmph. An Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm has wind speeds of 168-221 kmph, while a Super Cyclonic Storm has wind speeds exceeding 221 kmph.
Andhra Pradesh braces for 11th very severe cyclonic storm
AP braces for Arnab, potentially the 11th Very Severe Cyclonic Storm to hit Andhra Pradesh since 1970.
