A powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain struck Delhi and Noida on Tuesday evening, severely disrupting normal life. The sudden change in weather led to traffic snarls, waterlogging, and widespread power outages across several parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). Strong gusty winds, clocking speeds of up to 79 kmph in some areas, uprooted trees and toppled hoardings, causing property damage and hazards on roads.
In central Delhi’s Lodhi Road, a hailstorm was reported, while the Safdarjung area recorded wind speeds reaching 79 kmph. Visuals from across the city captured scenes of trees swaying violently and hoardings crashing under the force of the wind.
Despite the chaos, the pre-monsoon showers brought some respite from the sweltering heat, with temperatures having soared earlier in the day. However, the storm left behind a trail of damage. Several trees and signboards were brought down in various localities, adding to commuter woes.
The severe weather also impacted air travel. Airlines issued advisories warning of potential delays and disruptions. A dramatic video shot by Sheikh Samiullah, co-founder of a startup, captured turbulence inside a plane mid-flight, with seats visibly shaking due to the rough weather conditions.
Delhi Airport, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), alerted passengers about possible impacts on flight operations due to the inclement weather, urging them to stay in touch with their respective airlines for real-time updates. Major carriers like Air India and IndiGo also issued separate advisories, recommending that flyers check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Meteorological experts attributed the sudden storm to a combination of western disturbances moving across northern India and a cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea. This system is drawing moist air into the region, significantly increasing humidity levels and triggering thunderstorms and intermittent rain.
The weather is expected to remain unstable over the next couple of days, with further spells of rain and thunderstorms likely in Delhi and adjoining regions.
Also Read: Delhi sizzles at 41.8 deg C, records high humidity
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