Bhubaneswar, February 24:Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall lashed the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack on Tuesday evening. The capital city also experienced hailstorms in several areas, adding to the intense weather conditions.

Earlier in the day, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar had issued a norwester warning, forecasting light to moderate thunderstorms with lightning and light rainfall across several districts of Odisha over the next three hours. The advisory specifically mentioned Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, with similar warnings extended to Puri, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts.

Under the 'Yellow Message – Be Aware' alert, residents were urged to stay vigilant and closely monitor weather developments. The centre advised people to take precautions and move to safer locations in the event of lightning to avoid potential strikes.

Authorities have directed all concerned departments to ensure public safety and urged caution during the short-term weather forecast window.