Ranchi Meteorological Centre has issued a high alert in view of the approaching tropical cyclone, Yaas, warning residents of extremely heavy rainfall in southern Jharkhand comprising the three Kolhan districts of East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela- Kharsawan on Wednesday and Thursday.

The forecast for Wednesday, May 26, also suggested moderate thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40kmph to 60 kmph in the day and 110kmph-120 kmph towards the evening in southern Jharkhand. The rest of the state is expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds at speeds of 40kmph to 60 kmph in some places.

While isolated heavy (65mm to 115mm) to very heavy (115mm to 204mm) rainfall is predicted in north and central Jharkhand, extremely heavy rainfall (over 205mm in 24 hours) is apprehnded in southern Jharkhand.

On May 27, in addition to the extremely heavy rainfall in southern Jharkhand, the Met office also predicted moderate thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds (speed 50-60kmph) at isolated places over central and parts of north Jharkhand. Isolated heavy rainfall was also likely in north-western and central parts of the state on May 27.

Satellite pictures and weather models indicated that cyclonic storm Yaas, over east-central Bay of Bengal on Monday, moved northwestwards and lay centred over east-central Bay of Bengal, about 620km north-northwest of Port Blair (Andaman Islands), 530km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 630 km southeast of Balasore (Odisha) and 620km southeast of Digha (West Bengal).

It is very likely to move northwestwards and further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and subsequently into a very severe cyclonic

storm. It will continue to move northwestwards and reach northwest Bay of Bengal near north Odisha and West Bengal coasts by the morning of May 26.

It is very likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagar islands around noon of May 26 as a very severe cyclonic storm.

Head of Ranchi Met Centre Abhishek Anand said said the impact of the cyclonic storm would be felt in Jharkhand from Tuesday.

"Thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds blowing at a speeds of 40kmph-50kmph are likely to be witnessed at isolated places over Jharkhand on Tuesday. There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall in south-eastern parts of the state due to the impact of the approaching cyclone, " he said.

Kolhan sets up storm shelters

The Kolhan administration has also sounded a red alert in all three districts over the approaching cyclone.

Special officers of various local civic bodies held a meeting here on Monday evening and decided to make use over 200 buildings as temporary shelters.

"People staying in thatched houses and in low lying areas would be evacuated and moved to the temporary shelters. We are taking all necessary measures to cope with the situation," said Deeepak Sahay, special officer of Mango Notified Area Committee.