Bhubaneswar: Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty wind is likely to hit at least 16 districts of Odisha around noon on Saturday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a nowcast warning.
It said Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jaipur, Balasore, Cuttack, and Mayurbhanj districts are likely to experience moderate thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-60 kmph within next three hours.
Issuing an orange warning for these districts, the weather agency advised people in these areas to keep a watch on weather and move to safer places in case of worsening conditions.
This apart, a yellow warning has been issued for Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Malkangiri, Boudh, and Sambalpur districts, where light to moderate thunderstorms and rain with lightning are likely to occur. Wind speeds may reach 30-40 kmph in these areas.
The weather agency has advised people to stay vigilant and move to safer places during lightning strikes.
