UP Braces for Severe Storms: Red Alert Issued Across Multiple Districts

The India Meteorological Department has issued severe weather warnings for Uttar Pradesh, driven by an active western disturbance. A red alert is in effect for districts including Rae Bareli, Lucknow, and Ayodhya, warning of thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds. An orange alert covers a wider set of districts for moderate thunderstorms and gusty winds. Local administrations are on high alert as residents are advised to take precautions against lightning and potential infrastructure damage.

Key Points: UP Storm Alert: IMD Issues Red, Orange Warnings for Heavy Rain

  • Red alert for severe thunderstorms & hail
  • Orange alert for broader districts
  • Eastern & Terai regions at highest risk
  • Warnings of crop damage & power disruptions
2 min read

Rain alert issued across several districts of UP as storm threat intensifies

IMD issues red and orange alerts for severe thunderstorms, hail, and damaging winds across Uttar Pradesh. Districts warned of disruptions.

"multiple districts are likely to face a combination of heavy rainfall, lightning strikes, and strong winds - India Meteorological Department"

New Delhi, March 21

Dark, dense cloud cover continues to hover over large parts of Uttar Pradesh, with no immediate relief in sight as volatile weather conditions grip the state.

Driven by an active western disturbance and local pressure systems, the situation is becoming increasingly severe, especially in the eastern and Terai regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Lucknow, multiple districts are likely to face a combination of heavy rainfall, lightning strikes, and strong winds on Saturday. Authorities have warned that conditions may significantly disrupt normal life.

Districts including Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Sant Kabir Nagar, Basti, Kushinagar, Maharajganj, Siddharth Nagar, Gonda, Balrampur, Shravasti, and Ambedkar Nagar are expected to experience intense rainfall activity. Frequent lightning, thunder, and fast-moving cloud systems are also likely across the Purvanchal and Terai belts, raising safety concerns.

Earlier, the IMD had issued a red alert for several areas, warning of severe thunderstorms accompanied by hail and damaging winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph. Districts under this alert include Rae Bareli, Amethi, Sultanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Ayodhya, Basti, Unnao, Lucknow, Barabanki, and Gonda. These regions may see hailstorms, power disruptions, and potential damage to crops and temporary structures.

An orange alert has been sounded for a broader set of districts, including Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Sant Ravidas Nagar (Bhadohi), Varanasi, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Azamgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Hardoi, Sitapur, Bahraich, Siddharth Nagar, Balrampur, Shravasti, Shahjahanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Pilibhit. Moderate thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds between 40-60 kmph are expected in these areas.

Weather fluctuations have also led to uneven temperature changes across the state. While the central and eastern regions, including Lucknow, have seen a slight rise of 1-2 degrees Celsius, the north-western districts have recorded a drop of up to 5 degrees Celsius due to rain and strong winds.

Local administrations in affected districts have been placed on high alert, with instructions to prepare for emergency response, particularly in view of lightning risks and potential infrastructure damage.

Residents are advised to remain cautious, avoid open areas during thunderstorms, and follow official advisories as the weather system remains active.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
This is worrying for the farmers. Rabi crops are at a very sensitive stage. Hailstorms can destroy everything overnight. The government needs to have a proper compensation plan ready for crop damage.
A
Aman W
In Lucknow, the weather has been so unpredictable. One hour it's hot, the next it feels like a storm is coming. At least the alerts are being issued well in advance now, unlike before.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Varanasi and we just got the orange alert on our phones. Good to see the system is working for tourists too. Our hotel staff has been very helpful with the advisory.
V
Vikram M
The real test is for the local administration. In my district, drains get clogged with the first heavy shower itself. Hope they have actually cleared them this time before the red alert. Actions speak louder than alerts.
K
Kavya N
Lightning is the biggest killer in these storms. People, especially in villages, need to be educated repeatedly not to take shelter under trees or in open fields. Stay safe, everyone!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50