Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has escalated its weather alert to a highest-level ‘Red’ category nowcast warning for Khurda district, including the state capital Bhubaneswar, urging immediate action as a severe thunderstorm is expected to strike within the next hour.
Issued at 4:15 PM, the warning predicts a severe thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph, moderate to intense lightning, and heavy rainfall.
The IMD has cautioned residents about potential damage to thatched huts, standing crops, banana, and papaya trees. The storm is also likely to cause minor damage to power and communication lines due to breaking branches and lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas. In response to the imminent threat, IMD have issued urgent safety advice for the public.
People are strongly advised to take shelter inside sturdy structures immediately and strictly avoid taking refuge under trees. All farming operations should be temporarily suspended, and individuals are warned to move away from electric poles and overhead wires to ensure safety.
