Heavy Rain and Hailstorm Bring Life to a Standstill in Shimla; Weather Alert in Place Until May 8
Shimla, May 4: Sudden changes in weather across Shimla and several other districts of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday afternoon severely disrupted daily life. A heavy downpour accompanied by hail began around 1:30 PM, paralyzing movement across the city. While roads were quickly submerged due to the intense rain, the hailstorm forced people to remain indoors.
Several key roads in Shimla experienced waterlogging, leading to traffic snarls. The local bus stand’s traffic control room was also inundated, with water and mud seeping in. Police personnel were seen clearing the slush themselves, as water dripped from the ceiling and sludge accumulated on the floor.
Tourist Plans Dampened
The weekend crowd of tourists in Shimla was left disappointed as popular spots like Mall Road and The Ridge emptied out amid the storm. Gusty winds added to the chaos, forcing many to seek shelter. The abrupt shift in weather led to a noticeable drop in temperatures, bringing back a winter-like chill to the region.
Orchards and Crops Damaged
The intense hailstorm caused significant damage to apple orchards and other fruit-bearing trees in areas like Theog, Fagu, Chopal, and parts of Upper Shimla. Wheat crops standing in fields were also affected. Agricultural experts have advised farmers to stay updated with weather forecasts and avoid leaving harvested crops in the open.
Weather Department Issues Alert Until May 8
The Meteorological Centre in Shimla has issued warnings for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning in various parts of the state from May 5 to 8. A yellow alert has been issued for six districts on May 5, followed by an orange alert for several regions on May 6 and 7. Wind speeds could reach up to 50 km/h during this period. Unsettled weather is also expected in nine districts on May 8.
In the last 24 hours, Neri recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 44.5 mm. Other areas like Narkanda, Bharmour, Jot, and Salapar also saw significant rainfall. The department has forecast a 2–3°C drop in minimum temperatures in the coming days.
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