Bhubaneswar:  The Regional Meteorological Centre issued thunderstorm and lightning alert for nine districts till 8 pm today.

The alert was issued for Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Balasore, Angul, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Gajapati and Ganjam districts. People of these districts have been advised to remain alert between 5 pm and 8 pm to avoid any eventuality.

“Moderate thunderstorm and lightning with light rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 30 to 40 KMPH likely to occur at one or two places over these districts between 5 pm and 8 pm,” the latest IMD bulletin said.