Cuttack's location makes it vulnerable to flooding, even during light local rainfall, as river levels can rise due to upstream precipitation. The 2022 Odisha floods highlighted this risk when a 12-lakh-cusec release from Hirakud Dam caused significant flooding in the region. Key areas like NH16, which connects Cuttack to Bhubaneswar, are prone to disruptions during heavy rain. Residents and commuters are advised to stay updated on real-time radar data to avoid affected areas.