New Delhi, May 25 – The Delhi-NCR region woke up to intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall on Sunday morning, following a night of turbulent weather that began late Saturday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had already issued a Red Alert in anticipation of severe conditions, including strong winds, lightning, and heavy downpours.
Streets Waterlogged, Vehicles Stranded
Many key areas in the capital experienced severe waterlogging, with visuals emerging of submerged vehicles and disrupted traffic. Localities like Dhaula Kuan, ITO, Moti Bagh, Delhi Cantt, Airport Terminal-1, and Minto Road were heavily impacted, causing major slowdowns in vehicular movement. A car was seen completely submerged at the Minto Road underpass, and a bus and a car were stuck in water in the Delhi Cantt area.
Authorities confirmed that fallen trees and broken branches in several areas added to the chaos, making commute difficult for early morning travelers.
Red Alert and Wind Speeds up to 60 km/h
On Saturday, the IMD issued a nowcast warning for Delhi and surrounding areas, predicting rain accompanied by wind speeds of 40–60 km/h and lightning. The storm system, moving in from the west and northwest, has already caused widespread disruption, including power outages in select areas of North Delhi.
Residents of Bawana, Narela, Jahangirpuri, Civil Lines, Shakti Nagar, Model Town, Wazirabad, Dhirpur, and Burari reported electricity outages earlier this week during a similar storm that recorded wind speeds up to 70 km/h.
IMD Urges Caution, Avoid Open Spaces
The IMD has appealed to residents to stay indoors, avoid open spaces, and not take shelter under trees or near unstable structures. The department has warned of falling branches, uprooted trees, and dust storms in some parts of the city. People are also advised to stay away from water bodies and weakened walls.
The IMD emphasized that such weather events are likely to recur and citizens should be prepared for temporary service disruptions, including delays in transportation and public utilities.
Flight Delays and Cancellations Reported
Several flights at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were delayed or cancelled due to the ongoing weather disturbances. Airlines have issued advisories asking passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Rain and Wind Expected to Continue
According to the IMD, light rainfall and gusty winds are expected to continue through the day on Sunday, with partly cloudy skies likely to persist. Humidity and temperature fluctuations are expected to follow, bringing further discomfort to residents.
The department continues to monitor the storm system and will issue additional updates as needed. Citizens are urged to follow official channels for accurate weather information and advisories.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.