Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange and yellow warnings for 17 districts of Odisha till 6 pm on Friday.
Moderate thunderstorm accompanied by surface wind speed reaching 40 – 50 kmph, lightning and light to moderate rain may affect some parts of Nuapada, Balangir, Koraput, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh and Cuttack districts.
The weather agency has warned of minor damage to loose/unsecured structures, banana trees and standing crops. People have been advised to keep a watch on the weather and move to safer places accordingly.
Light to moderate thunderstorm/lightning with surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph and light to moderate rain may also occur in some parts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Kendrapada, Bargarh and Angul. People in these districts have been advised to seek shelter at safe places to protect themselves from lightning strikes.