Kolkata, Oct. 28 -- Severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab' weakened after making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast on Wednesday morning, but its impact is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to several districts of Bengal till October 30. The Alipore Meteorological Office has issued yellow alerts for multiple districts in both South and North Bengal.
The landfall process was completed between 2 am and 8 am on October 28, with the storm crossing the coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, with wind speeds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph. The system is expected to weaken gradually while moving north-northwestwards.
In South Bengal, scattered rain took place from Tuesday night till Wednesday.
On Thursday, heavy rain is likely in East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia and West Burdwan. Rain and thunderstorms may continue in several districts on October 30 and 31, with gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph in parts of the region. Light rain may persist till November 4.
In North Bengal, Heavy rain is forecast in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri on Thursday, extending to Kalimpong and Alipurduar on Friday. The upper five districts may receive rain on November 1, while light showers could continue till November 4.
The IMD has warned of temporary waterlogging, lightning strikes and damage to standing crops. Landslides are possible in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Bengal and Odisha coasts till October 29. Cautionary Signal No. 3 has been hoisted at Kolkata and Haldia ports.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.