Odisha Weather Alert: Puri Beach Red Zone, Sea Bathing Banned As Deep Depression Triggers Heavy Rain

Odisha is witnessing heavy rainfall and rough sea conditions under the influence of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, with the Puri district administration declaring the beach a red zone and banning sea bathing as a precautionary measure. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha on September 24, followed by very heavy rain over the next two days.

The weather system crossed the North Andhra Pradesh-South Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam during the early hours of September 24 after moving west-northwestwards from the Bay of Bengal. Despite widespread references to “Cyclone Arnab”, the IMD had classified the system as a deep depression, not a cyclonic storm. 'Cyclone Arnab' Myth Busted: Know Why the Bay of Bengal Weather System Is Actually a Deep Depression.

Puri Beach Declared Red Zone, Sea Bathing Banned

The Puri district administration has hoisted red flags along the beach and completely prohibited sea bathing until September 24 amid rough to very rough sea conditions. The restriction has been imposed as a precaution to prevent tourists, pilgrims and local residents from entering the sea while strong winds and rough waves persist. The IMD's coastal bulletin said the South Odisha coast experienced very rough to high sea conditions, while the North Odisha coast remained rough to very rough. Strong winds and heavy rainfall were also reported along the coast.

Odisha Faces Extremely Heavy Rain Warning

According to the latest IMD warning issued on September 24, Odisha is under an extremely heavy rain warning for September 24. Very heavy rainfall is forecast for September 25 and 26, followed by heavy rain on September 27. The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and squally conditions during the period. The continuing rainfall could lead to waterlogging, disruption of road connectivity and localised flooding in vulnerable areas, particularly in districts receiving intense spells of rain.

Deep Depression Crosses Odisha-Andhra Coast

The system intensified into a deep depression while moving towards the coast. At 5:30 pm on September 23, the IMD placed it close to the North Andhra Pradesh coast, about 30 km south-southwest of Kalingapatnam and around 160 km southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha. The system was expected to cross the North Andhra Pradesh and adjoining South Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, close to southwest of Kalingapatnam, within the following few hours. The IMD had earlier said the system was unlikely to intensify into a cyclone, although it was expected to produce heavy rainfall and strong winds along the coast. Cyclone Arnab Live Tracker Map on Windy: Deep Depression Nears Odisha-Andhra Coast, Landfall Tonight.

What About 'Cyclone Arnab'?

The term “Cyclone Arnab” has appeared in some media and social media discussions, but it should not be used as the official classification of this weather system. The IMD's official bulletins described the system as a deep depression. Therefore, the current weather conditions in Odisha are more accurately described as the impact of the Bay of Bengal deep depression, rather than the landfall of Cyclone Arnab. The distinction is important because a deep depression is a different category from a cyclonic storm under the IMD's classification system.

Schools Closed In Several Odisha Districts

Authorities have also taken precautionary measures in several districts. Educational institutions in Puri, Nabarangpur, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Khurda and Malkangiri were ordered to remain closed through September 24. Anganwadi centres were also included in the closures, while teachers and other staff were directed to report for duty. The measures were taken in view of the forecast for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and the possibility of weather-related disruptions.

Rough Sea Conditions Along Odisha Coast

The latest coastal bulletin warned of very rough to high sea conditions along the South Odisha coast, with winds reaching 25-30 knots and gusting up to 40 knots. Along the North Odisha coast, winds were forecast at 20-25 knots, gusting up to 35 knots. Rain and thunderstorms were expected at most places, with visibility likely to deteriorate during heavy rainfall. Authorities have therefore advised people to stay away from the sea and follow local restrictions until conditions improve.

Odisha Weather: What To Expect Next

The latest IMD forecast indicates that Odisha will continue to see significant rainfall over the next several days:

The weather situation will continue to be monitored as the deep depression moves inland and weakens.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2026 10:01 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).