Bhopal, Sep 10 (IANS) The India Meteorological Department’s Centre in Bhopal has issued a nowcast warning for moderate to light thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rain across several districts of Madhya Pradesh in the coming few hours.

Several districts of Madhya Pradesh observed a recess in the persistent rain spell during the past two days. According to the forecast released late Thursday evening, moderate thunderstorm with lightning and moderate rain is likely over Chhatarpur (including Khajuraho), Panna, Katni, Singrauli, Sidhi, Anuppur (including Amarkantak), Dindori, Mandla (including Kanha), Balaghat, Chhindwara, Pandhurana (including Pench), Narmadapuram (including Pachmarhi) and Raisen (including Bhimbetka and Sanchi).

Rainfall intensity in these areas is expected to range between 5 and 15 mm per hour, with a 30 to 60 per cent probability of cloud-to-ground lightning. Light thunderstorm with lightning and light rain is predicted over Bhopal (including Bairagarh), Rajgarh, Vidisha, Ashoknagar, Datia, Bhind, Sagar, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Orchha, Damoh, Narsinghpur, Seoni, Jabalpur, Satna, Chitrakoot, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Umaria and Shahdol districts during the midnight hours. Rainfall in these regions is likely to remain below 5 mm per hour, with less than 30 per cent chance of lightning.

The weather office has cautioned that intense rain could lead to waterlogging, slippery roads and disruption in traffic, especially in low-lying areas. There is also a possibility of damage to weak structures, uprooting of trees and temporary power outages. Farmers have been advised that standing crops may suffer minor to moderate damage in some pockets. Residents have been urged to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under trees or near water bodies, and keep a safe distance from electric poles and open fields. Those living in temporary or incomplete structures should move to safer locations. Motorists have been asked to drive carefully on wet roads and avoid low-lying stretches prone to sudden flooding.

Authorities have recommended preparing emergency plans, securing loose outdoor objects and monitoring updates from the India Meteorological Department. People have also been advised not to venture near overflowing drains, rivers or reservoirs.

–IANS

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