Bhubaneswar: Severe thunderstorm coupled with hail and gusty surface wing and intense spell of rain is likely to lash Khurda and Cuttack districts on Saturday night.
Twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are likely to be affected by the thunderstorm, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a nowcast warning while issuing a red alert.
In the message issued at 9 pm, the IMD said severe thunderstorm with hail and gusty surface wind speed reaching 60 – 70 kmph, lightning, moderate to intense spell of rain may affect some parts of districts of Cuttack (including Cuttack city) and Khurda (including Bhubaneswar city) within next two hours.
Under its impact, damage to thatched huts, minor damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of branches, water logging in low lying area, some damage to standing crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards may occur.
People are advised to take shelter in pukka structures and avoid taking shelter under trees. Farming operations is to be temporarily suspended during occurrence of event. Also move away from electric poles and wires.