Cyclone Arnab to trigger heavy rains in parts of Jharkhand, government asks districts to remain alert

The weather department has also issued warnings for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds for three days beginning October 28. Image for representational purpose only.

Cyclone Arnab, which is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday (October 28, 2026), is set to bring heavy rainfall in parts of Jharkhand for three days, prompting the State government to ask district administrations to maintain vigil, officials said.

A 'yellow' alert (be updated) of heavy rain has been issued for Ranchi, Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Saraikela-Kharsawan, East and West Singhbhum for 24 hours starting from 8.30 a.m. on October 28, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

The rain intensity is likely to increase thereafter, with IMD issuing an 'orange' alert (be prepared) for seven Jharkhand districts — Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum — for 24 hours till 8.30 a.m. on October 30, according to a weather bulletin.

"A heavy rainfall alert has also been issued for Chatra, Koderma, Hazaribag, Ramgarh, Ranchi, Khunti, Saraikela-Kharsawan and East Singhbhum from 8.30 am on October 29 for 24 hours," it said.

The weather department has also issued warnings for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds for three days beginning Wednesday (October 28, 2026).

"The very severe cyclonic storm Arnab over west-central Bay of Bengal moved nearly westwards and lay centred at 5.30 am on Tuesday (October 27, 2026) over the same region. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards till evening of October 27," Ranchi Meteorological Centre Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said.

"The district administrations have been directed to remain vigilant and prepared to deal with adverse conditions," an official said.

The Ranchi district administration has asked its officials to be vigilant over the situation.

Arnab becomes ‘very severe cyclonic storm’, light showers begin in north Andhra

"Waterlogging is likely in low-lying areas and on roads in Ranchi due to heavy rainfall. Kutcha houses, shanties, and structurally weak buildings may sustain damage. Rivers, lakes and large drains could overflow. There is a possibility of flood-like conditions in low-lying areas," the administration said in a statement.

It is also anticipated that standing crops in fields could be damaged due to the accumulation of water, it added.

Keeping the possibilities in mind, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri has issued instructions to all officials concerned to keep a constant watch on the situation and ensure necessary preparations.