Bhubaneswar/Cuttack: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday evening issued a “Red Message – Take Action” nowcast warning for Bhubaneswar and Cuttack cities, forecasting very heavy thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning, hail, intense rainfall, and damaging winds over the next three hours.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, wind speeds are likely to reach 70-80 kmph, gusting up to 90 kmph, in parts of Khordha district, including Bhubaneswar city, and Cuttack district, including Cuttack city.
The nowcast warning, issued at 7.15 PM, also covers Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri districts.
The IMD said the affected areas are likely to experience moderate rainfall along with severe thunderstorm activity and hail. Residents have been advised to closely monitor weather conditions and remain prepared to move to safer places in the event of worsening weather.
The weather office urged people to avoid open spaces, stay indoors during lightning activity, and take necessary precautions against strong winds and possible damage to trees, electric poles, and temporary structures.