IMD issues multi-day alert for Odisha, heavy rain predicted

Bhubaneswar, Sept 23: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a multi-day weather alert for Odisha, predicting widespread light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the coming days.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, a low-pressure area currently lies over coastal Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha and is likely to persist for the next 24 hours. Adding to this, a fresh system is expected to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal around September 25. IMD has indicated that this system could intensify into a depression and cross the coasts of South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh around September 27.

To prepare for the impact, the IMD has issued colour-coded alerts across all 30 districts. On Day 1, Orange Warnings were sounded for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Koraput, and Malkangiri, while Yellow Warnings cover most other districts. The Orange alert is expected to shift to western Odisha on Day 2 and return to southern districts on Day 3. Rainfall activity is likely to persist through Days 4 to 7 with Yellow Warnings.

Authorities have cautioned about potential crop damage, flooding, road blockages, and power disruptions. Fishermen have also been warned against venturing into the sea, as wind speeds may reach 50–60 kmph during September 25–27.