Bhubaneswar: Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds lashed the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack early Tuesday morning, disrupting normal life and causing widespread waterlogging in several low-lying areas of the state capital.
The intense downpour affected the morning commute as roads were submerged in multiple localities, slowing vehicular movement and causing inconvenience to office-goers, students, and residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), through its Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Odisha over the next three days and issued weather alerts for several districts.
Orange Alert Issued for Seven Districts
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued an orange warning for Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts for Tuesday.
These districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty surface winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph. The weather office has advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid venturing outdoors during thunderstorms unless absolutely necessary.
Authorities have also been asked to stay prepared for possible incidents such as tree uprooting, damage to weak structures, localized flooding, and disruption to transportation and power supply.
Yellow Warning for 23 Districts
Apart from the orange alert, the IMD has issued a yellow warning for 23 districts across Odisha, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places.
Residents in the affected areas have been urged to monitor weather updates, exercise caution while travelling, and follow advisories issued by local authorities.
Waterlogging Disrupts Normal Life
The early morning showers left several parts of Bhubaneswar waterlogged, with rainwater accumulating on roads and in residential localities. Traffic movement slowed considerably in several areas as commuters navigated through inundated stretches.
Low-lying neighbourhoods experienced temporary flooding, while pedestrians faced difficulties due to overflowing drains and waterlogged streets. Civic authorities deployed teams to clear drainage channels and ensure the smooth flow of rainwater.
Although no major damage was immediately reported, officials continued to monitor the situation as rainfall persisted intermittently throughout the morning.
More Rain Likely Over Next Three Days
The Meteorological Centre has predicted that the prevailing weather conditions will continue to influence Odisha over the next three days, increasing the likelihood of widespread rainfall across several districts.
An orange warning has also been issued for Balangir, Bargarh, Subarnapur (Sonepur), and Mayurbhanj for July 1, indicating the possibility of intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.
Meteorologists have attributed the active weather conditions to favourable monsoon systems influencing the region, resulting in enhanced rainfall activity across the state.
Advisory for Residents
The weather department has advised people living in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain alert, avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms, and stay away from waterlogged roads and electric poles. Farmers have also been urged to take necessary precautions to protect standing crops and agricultural equipment from heavy rain and strong winds.
With more rainfall expected over the coming days, district administrations and disaster management authorities have been asked to remain prepared to respond to any weather-related emergencies.
