Bhubaneswar: Thunderstorm coupled with lightning, gusty wind and rain is likely to lash at least nine districts of Odisha on Friday afternoon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a nowcast warning.
In a message issued at 1.45 pm, the IMD sounded orange warning for Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Moderate thunderstorm accompanied by surface wind speed reaching 40 – 50 kmph, lightning and light to moderate rain may affect some parts of these districts within next three hours, it said.
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.
Similarly, the weather agency issued a yellow warning for Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Bhadrak districts. Light to moderate thunderstorm with gusty wind speed reaching 30- 40 kmph, lightning and light to moderate rain may affect some parts of these districts within next three hours.
People are advised to keep a watch on the weather for worsening conditions and be ready to move to safer places protect from lightning strike.