Hailstorm, rain lash Himachal as yellow alert issued for thunderstorms

Hailstorm lashed Shimla and several other parts of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday as light to heavy rain swept the state, while the weather office issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds on Thursday and Friday.

The Shimla meteorological office warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30 to 50 kmph at isolated places in the state.

Palampur recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours since Tuesday evening at 82.7 mm, followed by Sarahan at 28.7 mm, Kothi at 19 mm, Bhattiyat at 18.3 mm, Jot at 17.8 mm, Guler at 16.7 mm, Shimla at 12 mm and Manali at 11 mm.

Thunderstorms and lightning were reported from Sundernagar, Bhuntar, Shimla, Jubberhatti, Kangra, Jot and Murari Devi, while hailstorm lashed Palampur, Shimla and Jot.

A landslide also occurred near Dhalli on the Shoghi-Dhalli bypass, with officials saying two vehicles were crossing the stretch when the slide occurred.

The incident briefly disrupted traffic on the road, which was subsequently restored, police said.

A video of the landslide circulated on social media showing vehicles parked along the roadside near the affected stretch. Police said there were no injuries or damage to vehicles.

Kukumseri recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 2.9 degrees Celsius, while Una recorded the highest maximum temperature at 32.2 degrees Celsius.

The weather office has forecast continued unsettled conditions in isolated parts of the state over the next two days.