Odisha braces for thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and heavy rain till April 19

Bhubaneswar, April 15: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a spell of intense weather activity in Odisha till April 19, warning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, hailstorms, and heavy rainfall across several districts.

An Orange Warning has been issued for April 15 for parts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Angul, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Koraput. These areas may experience gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph, lightning, and isolated hailstorms during the afternoon and evening hours.

The IMD has cautioned that such weather conditions could cause damage to crops, banana plantations, horticulture produce, and weak or temporary structures. Farmers have been urged to harvest crops cautiously, and use hail nets to protect vegetables and fruits from damage. People are advised to stay indoors during storms and remain alert to updates.

Additionally, heavy rain is expected in some areas of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Angul, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, and Malkangiri.

A Yellow Warning for thunderstorms with lightning and winds of 40–50 kmph remains in effect for the next four days for several districts including Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, and others.