Bihar, Jharkhand Rain Alert for Oct 28-31 as Cyclone Arnab Nears

Jharkhand’s weather turns from 27 October, with heavy rain forecast for several districts between 28 and 30 October, while Bihar is set for rain from 29 October and very heavy falls on 30 and 31 October, as the system linked to Cyclone Arnab moves inland after its expected landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October. The dates come from IMD forecasts as reported by India.com, The Statesman and Prabhat Khabar; none of the reports gives a colour-coded alert for either state.

Fairly Widespread Showers in Jharkhand Till 30 October

India.com’s summary of the IMD outlook says Jharkhand will see fairly widespread showers through 30 October, with heavy falls at isolated places. Prabhat Khabar reports a heavy rain warning for several Jharkhand districts on 28 October. Districts have not been officially listed in the reports available at the time of writing.

Bihar Waits Until 29 October for the First Rain

For Bihar, India.com reports rain from 29 October and very heavy rain on 30 and 31 October. The Statesman’s account is broader, listing Bihar and Jharkhand among regions with heavy to very heavy rain between 27 and 30 October. The two reports differ on dates, so the IMD Patna and Ranchi bulletins will settle which days carry the heaviest warning.

Also read Vidarbha, Marathwada Rain Alert: Showers Expected Oct 27-30

Landfall Comes First on 28 October

Cyclone Arnab is forecast to cross the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the forenoon of 28 October, with sustained winds of 115-125 km/h and gusts up to 140 km/h. Odisha has closed schools in five districts on 28 and 29 October; IPB’s report on Odisha’s preparations has the details, and the Weather Updates page tracks the rest.

Source: IMD subdivision-wise warnings. Also based on reporting by India.com, The Statesman and Prabhat Khabar.

Image: Wikimedia Commons (file photo of Sita Falls near Ranchi).