Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department on Thursday issued a special bulletin warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, and gusty winds across several districts of Odisha between March 19 and March 21, triggered by an upper air cyclonic circulation over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas. The Special Relief Commissioner’s office has issued an advisory to all District Collectors in this regard.
According to the Meteorological Centre Bhubaneswar, wind speeds during intense weather activity may reach 50–60 kmph, posing risks to crops, infrastructure, and public safety.
Day-wise Forecast and Warnings
On Day 1 (March 19–20), light to moderate rain or thunderstorms are likely at isolated places across coastal, southern, and interior districts, including Balasore, Cuttack, Ganjam, Koraput, and Mayurbhanj.
Orange Warning has been issued for Nuapada, Bolangir, Kandhamal, and Ganjam, with the likelihood of hail and strong winds up to 60 kmph.
Yellow Warning covers districts such as Gajapati, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Malkangiri, with winds up to 40 kmph.
On Day 2 (March 20–21), thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify, affecting western and northern districts including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Keonjhar.
Orange Warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, and Sambalpur.
Several other districts, including Angul, Dhenkanal, and Koraput, remain under Yellow Warning.
On Day 3 (March 21–22), thunderstorm activity is likely to persist in northern and coastal districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Kendrapara.
Orange Warning has been sounded for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jajpur.
Parts of interior Odisha, including Sundargarh and Angul, are under Yellow Warning.
The IMD cautioned that strong winds and hail may damage standing crops, horticulture, and plantations, particularly ripe paddy and banana trees. There is also a risk of:
Injury to people and cattle in open areas; Minor damage to kutcha houses and vulnerable structures; Uprooting of loose objects due to gusty winds;
Residents have been advised to: Remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid unnecessary travel; Avoid sheltering under trees or near electric conductors; Unplug electrical appliances and stay away from water bodies; and follow traffic advisories in urban areas.
Farmers have been urged to regulate harvesting operations and use hail nets to protect crops, especially vegetables and vulnerable plantations.
The weather office has asked authorities and the public to remain vigilant and monitor updates as conditions may worsen over the next three days.
In this connection the Special Relief Commissioner on Thursday has issued an advisory to all District Collectors.
Districts under orange and yellow warning have been advised to keep administrative machinery ready to face any eventuality. People have been advised to keep watch on weather and take safe shelter during the thunderstorm activity to protect from lightning. Further, submit a report on the damage, if occurred due to thunderstorm, whirlwind, hailstorm, lightning and rainfall immediately for information of the government.
