Thunderstorm activity to continue in Odisha for next three days: IMD issues alert

Bhubaneswar, May 1: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday forecasted the continuation of thunderstorm activity across Odisha for the next three days, warning of adverse weather conditions in several districts.

On May 1, isolated places in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Bhadrak districts are likely to witness thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph during the afternoon and evening hours. Additionally, districts including Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Cuttack, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Koraput, and Malkangiri may experience thunderstorms with wind speeds of 30–40 kmph.

An orange warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts for the next two days. These areas may witness thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds up to 50–60 kmph, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall.

The IMD has advised people to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter under trees. There is a risk of damage to standing crops, banana plantations, weak structures, and kutcha houses. Farmers are urged to use hail nets to protect their vegetables and crops from potential hail damage.