India, Oct. 29 -- Jharkhand is bracing for three days of unsettled weather under the influence of cyclonic storm 'Arnab' over the Bay of Bengal, with the threat of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds prompting an orange alert in seven districts and the closure of schools in affected districts on Thursday.

The India Meteorological Department's forecast indicates that the impact could intensify on October 29, particularly in north-western, southern and adjoining central parts of the state. Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum have been placed under an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall.

With the possibility of waterlogging, disruption of normal life and damage...