India: Adverse weather forecast to continue across central and eastern regions through at least March 21 /update 1

Adverse weather is forecast to continue across parts of central and eastern India through at least March 21. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an updated special weather message warning of light-to-moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and isolated hail storms across the region March 18-20, with the peak intensity of the adverse weather expected March 19. 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 18-21:

March 18

• Orange thunderstorm, lightning, and hail storm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Chattisgarh, eastern Madhya Pradesh, easter Maharashtra, and Telangana states.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, western Madhya Pradesh, central Maharashtra, Odisha, and Gangetic West Bengal states.

March 19

• Orange thunderstorm, lightning, and hail storm warnings: Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, eastern Madhya Pradesh, eastern Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Gangetic West Bengal states.

• Orange heavy rainfall warnings: Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal states.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and central Maharashtra states.

March 20

• Orange heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings: Odisha and Telangana states.

• Yellow heavy rainfall warnings: Coastal Andhra Pradesh State.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, eastern Madhya Pradesh, central and eastern Maharashtra, and Gangetic West Bengal states.

March 21

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal 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.