The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, has issued a fresh weather bulletin warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across several parts of Odisha as a weather system continues to move northwestward over the region.

According to the Special Bulletin-9 issued at 9 PM, the system was located around 1730 IST near 19.1°N and 83.0°E. It was positioned approximately 40 km northeast of Koraput, 60 km northwest of Parvatipuram in Andhra Pradesh and 90 km south-southwest of Bhawanipatna.

The system was moving northwest at around 10 kmph. IMD forecasts that it will continue moving north-northwestward and weaken into a depression within the next six hours before gradually weakening further into a well-marked low-pressure area by the early hours of September 26.

Doppler weather radars at Visakhapatnam, Raipur and Sambalpur are continuously monitoring the system, while satellite observations indicate persistent organised convection over the region.

Odisha Records Heavy Rainfall in Several Districts

Several districts have already received significant rainfall. Data recorded up to 5:30 PM on September 24 showed:

• Koraput: 10 cm
• Malkangiri: 9 cm
• Nabarangpur: 7 cm
• Daringbadi: 6 cm
• Bhawanipatna: 5 cm

IMD Issues Red, Orange and Yellow Rainfall Alerts

Day 1: Red Alert for Three Districts

The warning remains valid until 0830 IST on September 25, with the highest alert issued for Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Koraput. These areas may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated locations.

An Orange Alert has been issued for Nuapada, Balangir, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Gajapati and Ganjam, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations.

A Yellow Alert has also been issued for several other districts, including Bargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Puri, Khordha and Mayurbhanj, where isolated heavy rainfall is possible.

Day 2: Rainfall Warning Continues

For September 25–26, an Orange Alert remains in place for Nuapada for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Several southern and western districts will remain under a Yellow Alert.

Day 3: Isolated Heavy Rain Possible

On September 26–27, isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Bargarh and Nuapada, with both districts under a Yellow Alert.

IMD expects light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places across Odisha during the next two days. Rainfall activity is expected to become more scattered from the third day.

Strong Winds and Rough Sea Conditions

Squally winds of 50–60 kmph, with gusts reaching 70 kmph, continue over coastal north Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha and adjoining areas.

The wind speed is expected to decrease to 45–55 kmph, with gusts up to 65 kmph, from around midnight and gradually weaken thereafter.

Sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha, north Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal coasts until the morning of September 25.

Fishermen Advised to Stay Away From Sea

IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea over the west-central and adjoining northwest and southwest Bay of Bengal, as well as along the Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal coasts until the morning of September 25.

Local Cautionary Signal No. III (LC-3) continues to be hoisted at all Odisha ports.

Flash-Flood Risk Remains a Concern

The IMD has identified a low-to-moderate risk of flash flooding in watersheds across Gajapati, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Khurda, Puri and several northern districts until 1730 IST on September 25.

Because several areas have already received substantial rainfall, additional rain could lead to surface runoff and waterlogging, particularly in low-lying and already saturated locations.

Possible impacts include urban waterlogging and traffic disruptions, localised landslides or mudslides in hilly areas, damage to standing crops and banana and papaya plantations, uprooted trees, minor damage to kutcha houses and power infrastructure, and interruptions to small-boat and helicopter operations.

Safety Advisory for Odisha Residents

Residents in affected areas should remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities and the IMD.

People are advised to:

• Remain indoors during periods of intense rain and strong winds.
• Keep doors and windows closed during severe weather.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Stay away from trees, electric poles and exposed electrical equipment.
• Unplug electrical appliances where necessary.
• Avoid water bodies and flooded areas.
• Check road and traffic conditions before travelling.
• Follow official weather and disaster-management advisories.

Tourism, recreational activities and onshore or offshore operations should also be regulated in areas affected by adverse weather.

Weather System Likely to Weaken Further

The weather system is expected to gradually lose strength as it moves farther inland toward Chhattisgarh. However, the coming 12–18 hours remain important, particularly for parts of southern Odisha currently under Red and Orange rainfall warnings.

Residents should continue monitoring updates from IMD Bhubaneswar and the Special Relief Commissioner for any changes in rainfall, wind or flood-related advisories.