Red Alert for Bhubaneswar, Cuttack as IMD Warns of Severe Thunderstorms, Hailstorm

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a Red Warning for Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, forecasting severe thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds over the next three hours.

According to a nowcast bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar at 4 PM, light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and hail is very likely at one or two places in Khurda district, including Bhubaneswar city, and Cuttack district, including Cuttack city.

The Red Warning has also been extended to Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, and Nayagarh districts, where similar weather conditions are expected during the same period.

The IMD warned that squally surface winds reaching 60-70 kmph and gusting up to 80 kmph may cause damage to weak structures, uproot trees, and disrupt traffic and power supply in vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile, an Orange Warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Angul, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Kandhamal, and Gajapati districts. These areas are likely to witness thunderstorms with lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting up to 70 kmph. Hailstorms may also occur at isolated locations.

The weather office has advised residents to remain vigilant and move to safer locations during thunderstorms. People have been urged to avoid taking shelter under trees, stay away from electric poles and water bodies, and follow advisories issued by local authorities.

The warning comes amid heightened thunderstorm activity across Odisha due to prevailing atmospheric conditions ahead of the advancement of the southwest monsoon.