Phones Buzz With 'Extremely Severe' Alert As IMD Warns Of Thunderstorms, 100 Kmph Winds In Parts Of UP

Last Updated:June 11, 2026, 23:15 IST

IMD issued extremely severe alerts in Uttar Pradesh for thunderstorms, lightning and winds up to 100 kmph, using the Cell Broadcast Alert System, urging residents to stay indoors.

Residents across several districts of Uttar Pradesh received emergency alerts on their mobile phones on Wednesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of extremely severe thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 100 kmph.

The alerts, issued through the government’s cell broadcast emergency warning system, flashed on mobile devices with loud alarm tones, warning people about potentially dangerous weather conditions in the affected areas.

According to the IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, squalls and intense rainfall were likely in parts of the state, prompting authorities to issue urgent advisories.

Why Did Phones Suddenly Flash an Emergency Alert?

The warning was sent through the Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS), a technology used by the government to deliver emergency messages directly to mobile phones located in a specific geographic area.

Unlike SMS messages, cell broadcast alerts do not require users’ phone numbers and are transmitted simultaneously to all compatible devices connected to mobile towers in the affected region.

The alerts are designed to provide advance warnings during natural disasters, extreme weather events, earthquakes, cyclones and other emergencies.

What Did the Alert Say?

Many residents reported receiving notifications labelled “Extremely Severe Alert" along with an alarm sound.

The message warned of severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes and high-speed winds, advising people to stay indoors, avoid open areas and take necessary precautions.

Officials said the warnings were aimed at minimising casualties and property damage by providing real-time information before the weather system intensified.

Which Areas Were Affected?

The IMD issued warnings for several districts across Uttar Pradesh where adverse weather conditions were expected.

Forecasts indicated the possibility of strong winds reaching up to 100 kmph in isolated locations, along with heavy rainfall and lightning activity.

Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from trees and electric poles, and seek shelter during thunderstorms.

How Does the Emergency Alert System Work?

India has increasingly been using the Cell Broadcast Alert System to disseminate disaster warnings.

The technology allows alerts to be sent instantly to millions of mobile phones within a targeted area without causing network congestion.

The system has previously been used for cyclone warnings, flood alerts and earthquake preparedness exercises and is considered a key component of India’s disaster management infrastructure.

IMD Urges Caution

The weather department advised residents to follow official advisories and remain alert to changing weather conditions.

Authorities said emergency response teams were monitoring the situation and urged people to rely on official weather updates for the latest information.

The alerts come as several parts of north India continue to experience volatile weather conditions linked to pre-monsoon activity.

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