Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several districts today.
A Red Warning is in force for the districts of Kataka, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kalahandi and Nabarangapur. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at a few places in these areas, with extremely heavy rainfall likely at one or two locations. Residents and local authorities have been advised to take immediate precautionary measures.
An Orange Warning has been issued for 18 districts including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, Debagada, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonpur, Boudh, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh and Rayagada. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at one or two places in these districts.
A Yellow Warning has also been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Gajapati and Ganjam, where heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places.
In addition, squally weather with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, is likely over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, as well as along and off the coasts of West Bengal, Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough in the same areas, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
The IMD has urged the public to remain alert, stay safe and follow only official advisories.
It is pertinent to mention that a low pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal on Sunday. This is the fourth such system to develop over the Odisha coast during the month of August. Under its influence, the IMD has forecast an increase in rainfall across the entire state.
