Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow alerts to multiple Odisha districts, warning of impending thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the next three hours.
According to a nowcast warning issued by the IMD at 1:50 pm, districts including Nabarangapur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Gajapati under an orange alert are expected to experience moderate thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph, lightning, and light to moderate rain within the next three hours.
The IMD has also issued a yellow alert for several other districts, including Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack (including Cuttack city), Khordha (including Bhubaneswar city), Puri, Ganjam, and Boudh. These areas are expected to experience light to moderate thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 30-40 kmph, lightning, and light to moderate rain.
Residents in the affected districts are advised to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and be prepared to move to safer places if necessary. The IMD has warned of potential damage to loose structures, banana trees, and standing crops in areas under the orange alert.