India: Adverse weather forecast across central and eastern regions through at least March 19

Adverse weather is forecast across parts of central and eastern India through at least March 19. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of rainfall, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hail storms across parts of the region over the coming days. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.

The IMD has issued the following weather warnings across the affected area March 14-18:

March 14

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Jharkhand, Odisha, and Gengetic West Bengal states.

• Yellow hail storm warnings: Gangetic West Bengal State.

March 16

• Orange thunderstorm, lightning, and hail storm warnings: Gangetic West Bengal State.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, eastern Madhya Pradesh, and eastern Maharashtra states.

March 17

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Across the affected area.

• Yellow hail storm warnings: Chattisgarh and eastern Madhya Pradesh states.

March 18

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, eastern Madhya Pradesh, and eastern Maharashtra states.

• Yellow hail storm warnings: Chattisgarh, eastern Madhya Pradesh, and eastern Maharashtra states.

Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.