Mussoorie, Sept. 25 -- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange alerts for several districts of Uttarakhand as an intense spell of rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds is forecast across the state from Friday night through September 28, with snowfall likely in areas above 4,000 metres.

Authorities have advised pilgrims, tourists and commuters to avoid non-essential travel and vulnerable areas amid the risk of landslides, flash floods and disruptions to roads and essential services.

Director of the Meteorological Centre in Dehradun CS Tomar said, "The combined impact of two weather systems is likely to bring intense rainfall across Uttarakhand from the night of September 25 until the forenoon of Septe...