Bhubaneswar, Sep 13: Odisha is bracing for intense rainfall over the next three days due to a low-pressure system active over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, near the coasts of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for multiple districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

The system is expected to move west-northwestward across southern Odisha, northern Andhra Pradesh, and southern Chhattisgarh within the next 48 hours. Rainfall is likely to persist across the state until September 17, with the IMD forecasting light to moderate showers in most regions and intense downpours in select districts.

Southern districts including Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, and Kalahandi have been placed under yellow warning for today and tomorrow. Additionally, districts like Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj in northern Odisha are also expected to receive heavy rainfall.

Thunderstorms accompanied by wind speeds of 30–40 kmph are likely in several regions, and fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea due to squally weather conditions.