Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Orange and Yellow warnings for 23 districts across Odisha, including the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, valid until 9:30 PM today.
An Orange Warning has been issued for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Kandhamal, Angul, Sundargarh, Dhenkanal, and Nuapada districts. These areas are likely to experience moderate thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by wind speeds of 40–50 kmph and light to moderate rainfall within the next three hours.
The IMD has cautioned that these conditions could cause minor damage to loose or unsecured structures, banana plantations, and standing crops.
A Yellow Warning has also been issued for several other districts, including Cuttack (including Cuttack city), Khurda (including Bhubaneswar), Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Nayagarh, Boudh, Gajapati, Rayagada, Sonepur, Jajpur, Balasore, Ganjam, and Sambalpur. These areas may witness light to moderate thunderstorms, gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph, and light to moderate rain.
Residents across the affected districts are advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions to stay safe from lightning strikes. People have also been urged to move to safer locations if weather conditions deteriorate.
