IMD issues red alert of thunderstorm, gusty wind West Tripura and Khowai districts, orange for other districts

The Agartala station of India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a red alert of thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind for West Tripura and Khowai districts and an orange alert for the six other districts of the state for the next 24 hours.

The IMD issued, the alert after a Norwester storm created havoc across the state since Tuesday morning, leaving hundreds of dwelling houses collapsed and disrupting road connectivity and caused extensive damage to electric transmission lines in different locations of the state.

The Agartala station of IMD has also issued a detailed seven-day weather warning for Tripura, forecasting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong gusty winds across all districts. The bulletin, released by the Meteorological Centre in Agartala on Tuesday evening, cautions residents and authorities to remain prepared for potential disruptions. 

According to the IMD, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are “very likely” to occur at most places across the state for the next several days. However, the most severe conditions are expected during the first two days, with thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and squally winds reaching speeds of 60–80 kmph in parts of Khowai and West Tripura districts. 

The department has also warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) in several districts, including North, Unakoti, Dhalai, Khowai, and West Tripura. Other regions may also experience heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of water logging and localized flooding. 

From Day 3 onward, while wind speeds are expected to slightly reduce to 40–60 kmph, thunderstorms and rainfall activity will continue across the state. By Days 6 and 7, rainfall is likely to persist at many places, though without major warning signals. 

The IMD has predicted that maximum temperatures will remain 5–6 degrees Celsius below normal over the next 3–4 days, providing temporary relief from heat, while minimum temperatures will stay near normal. 

Authorities have been advised to stay on high alert, with possible evacuations in low-lying areas and deployment of emergency services where needed.

The IMD will issue its next update on Wednesday, as the state braces for an active spell of pre-monsoon weather.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Tuesday assured the storm-affected people that the state government will extend all possible help during the difficult situation caused by the Norwester storm.

“Due to the severe storms, dwelling houses and electric posts were damaged in different places in the state. The district administrations have taken all possible steps to reach out to the people. The government is working relentlessly to handle the situation and is also committed to extending all possible help to the affected people,” the Chief Minister wrote on social media.

While, state’s Revenue department sources said that the Norwester storm has caused extensive damage to almost all districts in the last 24 hours and the department is still receiving reports on damage caused by the storm. The district administrations are working to render all possible help to the affected people.