Bhubaneswar: Thunderstorm coupled with lightning, gusty wind and rain is likely to hit at least eleven districts of Odisha on Saturday evening, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a nowcast warning.
In a message issued at 4 pm, the IMD sounded a red warning for Kandhamal, Jajpur, Gajapati, Rayagada and Ganjam districts.
Severe thunderstorm with lightning, hail and gusty surface wind speed reaching 60 –70 kmph, moderate to intense spell of rain may affect some parts of these five districts within next two hours, it said.
Under its impact, damage to thatched huts, power and communication lines due to breaking of branches, water logging in low lying area, 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.
Similarly, the weather agency issued an orange warning for Nayagarh, Cuttack, Khurda, Puri, Bhadrak and Balasore. Moderate thunderstorm with lightning, hail, surface wind speed reaching 50-60 kmph and light to moderate rain may affect some parts of these six 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
