Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange warnings for 25 districts of Odisha till 6.15 pm on Friday.
Thunderstorm accompanied by hail and gusty surface wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph, lightning , moderate to intense spell of rain may affect some parts of Koraput, Cuttack, Khurda, Nayagarh, Jajpur, Balasore and Ganjam districts.
The weather agency has warned of damage to thatched huts, standing crops, banana and papaya trees, power and communication lines due to breaking of branches and waterlogging in low-lying areas. People have been advised to take shelter in concrete structures instead of trees.
Thunderstorm/lightning, accompanied by gusty surface wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph and light to moderate rain may also occur in some parts of Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Balangir, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Angul, Dhenkanal & Boudh.
There could be minor damage to loose/unsecured structures, banana trees and standing crops in these districts, it added.