The severity of Cyclone 'Arnab' increased, warning of heavy rain and hailstorm in these states, what did the Meteorological Department tell the people?

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), very severe cyclonic storm 'Arnab' is moving towards coastal Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.

IMD has warned of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Odisha on October 27 and 28. On October 28, there may be very heavy rain at some places in Chhattisgarh.

According to IMD, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam may experience thunderstorms and strong winds with a speed of 80-90 km per hour on October 27-28.

On October 27, wind speed of 50-60 km per hour with gusts reaching up to 70 km per hour is expected in Odisha. On October 28, the wind speed here can reach 60-70 kilometers per hour with gusts up to 80 kilometers per hour.

Chhattisgarh may experience thunderstorms with strong winds at a speed of 60-70 kilometers per hour on October 28. Their speed with gusts is expected to reach 80 kilometers per hour.

The Meteorological Department has asked people to keep an eye on official weather updates and follow the safety advisories issued by the local administration. IMD has also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel and keep essential medicines, food items and drinking water ready.

According to IMD, the impact of 'Arnab' will not be limited to coastal areas only. Telangana may experience severe thunderstorm with wind speed of 50-60 kilometers per hour on October 28. Changes in weather can also be seen in North India. IMD has predicted rain and thundershowers at some places in Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh between October 28 and November 1. There is also a possibility of hailstorm in these areas on 29-30 October.

Eastern coastal states Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have stepped up precautionary measures ahead of Cyclone 'Arnab' hitting the coast on Wednesday. Schools have been closed in both states, fishing in the sea has been banned and rescue teams have been kept on standby.

The Meteorological Department said that the deep depression formed in the east-central and south-eastern part of the Bay of Bengal has moved towards the west and has transformed into cyclonic storm 'Arnab'. According to the department, it is likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a very severe cyclonic storm by the morning of October 28.

Railways has canceled at least 61 trains due to cyclone 'Arnab'. Of these, 53 passenger trains will remain canceled on Tuesday and Wednesday. Air India issued a travel advisory on Tuesday, warning that flights to and from Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada may be affected due to cyclone 'Arnab'.

Due to cyclone 'Arnab', there is a possibility of heavy rain for three days in some parts of Jharkhand from Wednesday. The state government has directed the district administration to remain alert.