Bhubaneswar, September 17: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange warnings for several Odisha districts, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning over the coming days.
North Odisha is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain over the next 48 hours. Another spell of intense rainfall is expected in parts of northern and southern Odisha from September 23.
The IMD said a cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over the North Andaman Sea by September 18, followed by the formation of a low-pressure area over the East Central Bay of Bengal and adjoining Andaman Sea by September 19. The system may move west-northwestwards towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast around September 23.
On Thursday, an orange warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj and Baleshwar, while several northern and coastal districts face thunderstorm and lightning alerts.
On Friday, yellow warnings for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning have been issued for several districts, including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Puri, Khordha, Ganjam and Gajapati.
Fresh yellow warnings for heavy rain are expected from September 23 in Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Rayagada, Gajapati, Koraput and Malkangiri.
The IMD has advised people, especially those in low-lying and vulnerable areas, to remain alert and follow updated weather bulletins. Residents have also been urged to take precautions during thunderstorms and avoid open areas during lightning.
