Chandigarh Tricity braces for more rain as IMD issues red alert for thunderstorm
PTC News Desk: A day after a powerful thunderstorm struck the Chandigarh Tricity region following an IMD red alert, the India Meteorological Department on Friday morning issued a fresh nowcast warning for thunderstorms with rain and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph over Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and nearby areas over the next two to three hours.
According to meteorologists, the weather system responsible for Thursday night's severe storm remains active, although its intensity has reduced significantly. Residents have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter under trees.
The storm caused widespread disruption across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula. Power outages were reported in several sectors and residential areas, which also affected water supply in some localities. Strong winds uprooted branches, damaged hoardings and affected utility infrastructure, while faulty traffic signals created congestion at multiple intersections. Traffic movement was particularly impacted in Mohali, where some junctions lacked traffic personnel during peak hours.
Although the orange alert issued for Thursday had resulted in only brief thunderstorms and gusty winds during the early morning, the weather system that developed later in the evening was much stronger and caused significant disruption. Doppler radar images had indicated the approach of intense thunderstorm cells before the storm hit the region.
Meteorologists said the overnight storm aligns with the IMD's broader forecast for northwestern India. An orange alert remains in effect on Friday for Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana, with the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and squalls reaching speeds of 60-70 kmph in isolated areas.
From Saturday through Wednesday, a yellow alert will remain in place, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph. The IMD expects fairly widespread rainfall on Friday, scattered showers on Saturday and isolated rain and thunderstorm activity from Sunday onward, suggesting that the region will continue to experience intermittent weather disturbances over the coming week.
- PTC NEWS
