( Newshubv Desk):Delhi-NCR was struck by a powerful thunderstorm in the early hours of Sunday, leading to widespread waterlogging, fallen trees, and significant power outages.
The sudden downpour disrupted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, grounding aircraft due to strong winds ranging from 60 to 100 km/h.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported 81.2 mm of rainfall by 5:30 am, pushing Delhi’s total monthly precipitation beyond its previous record of 165 mm in May 2008.
A red alert was issued late Saturday night, warning residents of severe thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and squally winds.
Several key areas—including Minto Road, Delhi Cantt, and Dhaula Kuan—experienced waterlogging, leading to major traffic snarls. Visuals from the city showed submerged vehicles and flooded streets, reinforcing the impact of extreme weather conditions.
Flight operations remained severely affected, with an average delay of 45 minutes due to unsafe weather conditions, according to FlightRadar24.
Aircraft were unable to land or take off for several hours, creating a backlog of delayed flights.
IMD issued a public advisory, urging citizens to stay indoors, unplug electronic devices, and avoid sheltering under trees. Residents were also advised to keep emergency kits ready in case of prolonged power disruptions.
The storm, which initially hit Punjab and Haryana, intensified as it moved southeast toward Delhi between 12:30 am and 2:30 am, with rainfall persisting until morning.
At Safdarjung, 68 mm of rain fell between 11:30 pm and 2:30 am, followed by another 13.2 mm in the next three hours, categorizing it as heavy rainfall.
As cleanup efforts begin, authorities are working to restore essential services and clear debris caused by the storm. While rainfall is expected to subside, meteorologists warn of potential follow-up storms later in the week.
