Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red, orange and yellow warnings for 11 districts of Odisha till 5.30 pm on Friday.
RED WARNING
Severe thunderstorm accompanied by hail and wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph, lightning, moderate to intense spell of rain may affect some parts of Mayurbhanj, Ganjam and Gajapati.
The weather agency has warned of damage to thatched huts, power and communication lines due to breaking of branches, standing crops, banana, papaya trees and waterlogging in low-lying areas. People have been advised to take shelter in concrete structures and avoid standing under trees and near electric poles and wires.
ORANGE WARNING
Moderate thunderstorm with lightning and moderate rain with hail and gusty surface wind speed reaching 40-50 kmph may occur in some parts of Balasore, Kandhamal, Rayagada, and Koraput districts.
It has warned of minor damage to loose/unsecured structures, banana trees and standing crops in these districts.People have been advised to keep a watch on the weather and move to safer places accordingly.
YELLOW WARNING
Light to moderate thunderstorm/lightning and light to moderate rain with gusty surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph may impact some parts of Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Kalahandi and Khurda (including Bhubaneswar) during the next 2 hours.
People have been advised to keep a watch on the weather and accordingly move to safer places to protect themselves from lightning strikes.