Cyclone Arnab makes landfall; heavy rain to lash Jharkhand
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, October 28: Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning, bringing unsettled weather to Jharkhand. The India…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, October 28: Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning, bringing unsettled weather to Jharkhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong gusty winds in several districts over the next 48 hours.
The very severe cyclonic storm crossed the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, southwest of Yanam, between 2 am and 8 am, packing maximum sustained winds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph. The landfall process was completed by 8 am, when the storm’s central region moved entirely over land.
In its 8.30 am bulletin, the IMD located the system over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, near 16.5°N latitude and 81.9°E longitude, close to Narsapur, Yanam and Kakinada. The storm is expected to move north-northwestwards and gradually weaken, first into a cyclonic storm and subsequently into a deep depression.
The cyclone’s influence is expected to intensify rainfall activity across Jharkhand on Wednesday and Thursday. The weather office has forecast generally cloudy skies, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers at a few places across the state.
On Wednesday, isolated places in northwestern, southern and central Jharkhand may experience thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph.
Northeastern districts and adjoining central areas may experience winds of 30-40 kmph.
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in southern Jharkhand, central districts including Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Lohardaga, and Latehar.
Very Heavy Rain Likely in Six Districts on Thursday
Weather conditions are expected to become more challenging on Thursday, October 29, when heavy rain is forecast at several places. Very heavy rainfall is possible at isolated locations in Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla and Simdega.
Gusty winds of 50-60 kmph, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, are also likely at isolated places in northwestern, southern and central parts of the state.
Heavy rain may also occur at isolated places in central and southern Jharkhand, including Seraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum, as well as Chatra district.
Weather Activity Likely to Ease on Friday
On Friday, October 30, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph may continue at isolated places, although the intensity of weather activity is expected to ease.
The adverse weather conditions raise concerns about localised waterlogging, traffic disruption, falling branches and damage to vulnerable structures.
Residents have been advised to avoid open areas and refrain from taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms. Farmers should also remain alert to the risks posed by lightning and strong winds.
The IMD has cautioned that weather conditions may vary across districts and advised residents to follow subsequent forecasts and local advisories.
