Strong winds and lightning expected in Odisha; IMD issues orange and yellow warnings

Bhubaneswar, May 19: Thunderstorm activity is likely to persist across several parts of Odisha for the next five days, according to a weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday. The IMD has warned of intense thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty surface winds in multiple districts across the state.

An orange warning has been issued for districts including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, and Gajapati until the morning of Tuesday. Winds could reach speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. The IMD has cautioned that strong winds may cause damage to standing crops, banana plantations, and vulnerable structures. Residents have been advised to take shelter during thunderstorm activity to remain safe from lightning.

Additionally, thunderstorms with wind speeds of 30-50 kmph are likely in Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and several western districts.

For May 20–21, a yellow warning has been issued in 18 districts including Puri, Khurda, Sonepur, Balangir, and Kandhamal. On May 21–22, another orange warning is in place for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Mayurbhanj, with expected gusts up to 60 kmph.