Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar has issued a Red Alert through a Nowcast Warning issued at 7.45 PM on Friday for parts of Sundargarh and Keonjhar districts, warning of severe thunderstorms accompanied by hail, wind speeds reaching 60-70 kmph, and moderate to intense lightning and rainfall within the next two hours.
According to the IMD, the extreme weather could cause damage to thatched huts, minor destruction of power and communication lines due to falling tree branches, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and damage to standing crops including banana, papaya trees, and orchards. People have been strongly advised to take shelter in pukka structures, stay away from trees and electric poles, and temporarily suspend all farming operations during the event.
An Orange Alert has also been issued for parts of Balasore, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Balangir, Deogarh, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, and Kendrapara, where moderate thunderstorms, hail, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected within the next two to three hours. The IMD warned of minor damage to unsecured structures and crops, particularly banana trees, and advised residents to remain alert and be prepared to move to safer locations if conditions worsen.
Additionally, a Yellow Alert has been issued for Jajpur, Cuttack (including Cuttack City), Nabarangpur, Boudh, Sonepur, Koraput, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, and Khordha (including Bhubaneswar City). These areas are likely to experience light to moderate thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 30-40 kmph. The IMD urged residents in these regions to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid lightning strikes.
The Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar continues to monitor the situation and has advised the public to stay updated with real-time alerts and weather advisories.
