Tornado Threat In India? Why Odisha Storm Sparks Fears For Andhra Pradesh, Telangana

On March 15, a powerful tornado struck the Karanjia area in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, killing two people and injuring at least 29. Over 100 houses were damaged as wind speeds touched nearly 170 kmph, strong enough to toss vehicles like bikes and auto-rickshaws. Locally referred to as a 'Kalbaishakhi' storm, the tornado formed from a Nor’wester system -- an unusual and alarming event for a region close to southern India.