NEW DELHI: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has said Cyclone Fani will hit the Odisha coast on Friday with a wind speed around 200 kmph, Indian media reported.

The Odisha government declared holiday at schools and colleges in the state in anticipation of the oncoming cyclonic storm.

Meanwhile, caretaker chief minister Naveen Patnaik of Odisha has urged the Chief Election Commissioner to postpone elections in the Patkura assembly seat in Kendrapara scheduled for May 19.

The EC has also lifted Model Code of Conduct in 11 districts of Odisha.

The IMD had on Tuesday issued a yellow warning for the Odisha coast. It has predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall due to the cyclone at places along the coastline. (Agencies)