Bhubaneswar: Thunderstorm along with lightning, rain, and gusty surface wind is likely to hit at least ten districts of Odisha on Thursday night, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a nowcast warning.
In a message issued at 7.15 pm, the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar sounded orange warning for four districts – Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh and Sundargarh. It said thunderstorm, lightning with surface wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph and light to moderate rain may affect some parts of these districts within next two to three hours.
Under its impact minor damage to loose / unsecured structures, banana trees and standing crops may occur. People are advised to keep a watch on the weather for worsening conditions and be ready to move to safer places accordingly.
The weather agency also issued a yellow warning for several other districts. Light to moderate thunderstorm with gusty surface wind speed reaching 30- 40 kmph, lightning and light to moderate rain may affect some parts of Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kandhamal and Balasore within next three hours, it said.
People are advised to keep a watch on the weather for worsening conditions and be ready to move to safer places protect from lightning strike.