Bhubaneswar, June 6: A fierce Kalbaisakhi storm lashed Bhubaneswar on Saturday afternoon, bringing heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, gusty winds and hail in several areas, causing widespread disruption to normal life in the state capital.
The weather took a dramatic turn around 3:30 pm when dark clouds rapidly covered the city, followed by intense showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. Hailstones were reported from various localities, while strong winds uprooted tree branches and damaged several trees across the city.
The storm affected vehicular movement in many areas as fallen branches blocked roads and created traffic bottlenecks. Power supply was also disrupted in some localities after strong winds damaged electricity lines and other infrastructure.
Despite the disruptions, the rainfall provided relief from the prevailing heat and humid conditions. However, residents remained on alert as thunderstorm activity and strong winds continued for several hours. Many commuters and outdoor workers were forced to take shelter due to the sudden change in weather.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has urged people to remain cautious, warning that thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds associated with Kalbaisakhi conditions may persist in parts of Odisha over the next few days.
Meanwhile, over 60 fire brigade teams have begun clearing fallen trees and debris from roads while efforts are underway to restore the electricity supply in the affected areas.
