Bhubaneswar: The regional meteorological centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar Saturday issued thunderstorm and heavy rainfall warning for 19 districts of Odisha.
The alert has been sounded for Khurda, Balasore, Bhadrak, Puri, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Nayagarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Jagatsinghpur, Deogarh, Koraput, Malkangiri, Sambalpur and Rayagada districts.
According to IMD sources, latest Doppler weather radar and satellite imageries indicate that thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and intense spell of rain are likely to occur in these districts till 1:15 pm.
People in these areas have been advised either to stay indoors or shift to safer places, if such weather conditions prevail.
The weatherman has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state in the next 24 hours.
Fisherman have been cautioned not to venture into the sea.
PNN