Ranchi: Thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated heavy rain are likely in the state from Oct 27 to 29 as a depression over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast on Oct 28.The system was practically stationary over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal at 8.30am on Sunday. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast it to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of Oct 26, a severe cyclonic storm by Oct 27 and a very severe cyclonic storm by Oct 28.“It is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of Oct 28, with sustained wind speeds of 115-125 kmph and gusts of up to 140 kmph,” Abhishek Anand, scientist and deputy director of IMD Ranchi, said on Sunday.IMD has issued a yellow warning for Jharkhand on Oct 27, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph likely at isolated places in eastern, southern and adjoining central areas.On Oct 28, an orange warning has been issued for thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 50-60 kmph in northwestern, southern and central Jharkhand. Winds of 30-40 kmph are likely in northeastern and adjoining central areas, while isolated heavy rain is forecast in southern and adjoining central districts.The impact is expected to widen on Oct 29, when thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph may affect the entire state. Isolated heavy rain is likely in northwestern, southern and central areas. Northeastern and adjoining central areas may experience winds of 30-40 kmph.“Strong winds and lightning may disrupt normal life, particularly in areas with weak trees, mud houses and tin-roofed structures. Residents should avoid taking shelter under trees and secure loose roofing materials. Power supply may also be disrupted due to snapping of electric wires,” Anand said.
