Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Bhubaneswar Centre issued a red alert at 9:00 PM on Saturday, warning of a severe thunderstorm likely to impact parts of Cuttack (including Cuttack city) and Khordha (including Bhubaneswar city) within the next two hours. The storm is expected to bring hail, gusty winds reaching 60–70 kmph, lightning, and moderate to intense rainfall.
The IMD cautioned that the storm may cause damage to thatched huts, minor disruptions to power and communication lines due to falling branches, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and harm to standing crops, banana, papaya trees, and orchards.
Residents are urged to seek shelter in solid buildings and avoid taking cover under trees or near electric poles and wires.
The IMD also advised suspending farming operations during the storm to ensure safety. Authorities and residents are on high alert as the region braces for potentially hazardous weather conditions.
