IMD Alert: Hail in Delhi-NCR, Heavy Rain in Bihar as Arnab Weakens

Cyclone Arnab may have lost its punch after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast, but its moisture is now spreading across large parts of India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of hailstorms and thundersqualls in Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab on October 29 and 30, along with heavy to very heavy rain in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Where is Cyclone Arnab now?

Arnab crossed the coast as a very severe cyclonic storm on Wednesday, October 28, between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, close to Yanam. By 8:30 am on Thursday, it had weakened into a depression over south Chhattisgarh and adjoining south Odisha, about 40 km north-northwest of Jagdalpur, moving north at around 18 kmph. IMD expects it to weaken further into a well-marked low-pressure area over north Chhattisgarh and northwest Odisha.

The storm brought exceptional rain to south Odisha. In the 24 hours to Thursday morning, Patrapur in Ganjam district recorded 546 mm and Sorada recorded 503 mm. IMD scientist Ananda Kumar Das said a flood-like situation has developed in rivers flowing from southern Odisha through Chhattisgarh, and warned that landslides are possible near the Eastern Ghats.

Damage in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Strong winds during landfall uprooted trees and snapped power lines along the Andhra and Odisha coasts, and in Kakinada seawater entered homes. Thirteen Andhra Pradesh districts and Yanam were placed at risk of flash floods until early Thursday. Relief and restoration work is continuing in the affected districts, and residents have been asked to follow instructions from local officials.

Delhi-NCR: hail, strong winds and some relief from smog

Delhi woke up to a rainy morning, and the weather is expected to stay cloudy with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms. IMD has warned of isolated hailstorms on October 29 and 30, with thundersqualls bringing winds of 50-60 kmph at isolated places in Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh and Punjab. The rain is likely to offer temporary relief from the region's poor air quality.

A Western Disturbance over north Pakistan and a cyclonic circulation over Haryana and nearby Uttar Pradesh are adding to the unsettled weather in the north.

State-wise weather alerts

What it means for you

For farmers in Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and eastern UP, the timing is difficult. The wet spell could damage standing crops, delay the paddy harvest, cause waterlogging and spoil grain left out in the open. In cities, heavy rain and hail can mean traffic jams, flight delays and power cuts.

Here is how to stay safe during the alert:

1. Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid standing under trees or near electric poles.
2. Park vehicles away from trees and hoardings when strong winds are forecast.
3. Farmers should move harvested grain to covered storage as early as possible.
4. People living near rivers in Odisha and Chhattisgarh should follow evacuation advice from local authorities.
5. Fishermen should check official advisories before venturing out.

Another system brewing in the Bay of Bengal

The wet weather may not end soon. A fresh low-pressure area over the south Andaman Sea is expected to become a well-marked low and could intensify into a depression over the Bay of Bengal. IMD has also flagged heavy rain for Odisha over the weekend, Kerala and Mahe early next week, and Tamil Nadu and Puducherry after that, with rainfall expected to continue into early November across parts of eastern, central and southern India.

Also Read

• Cyclone Arnab Makes Landfall Near Yanam, Lashes Coastal Andhra
• Cyclone Arnab: 53 Trains Cancelled, Schools Shut in Coastal Andhra
• Yamuna Foam Returns at Kalindi Kunj as Delhi-NCR AQI Hovers Near 168