Shimla lashed by severe thunderstorm, rain

Shimla and surrounding areas were lashed by a severe thunderstorm accompanied by intermittent rainfall and hail while high altitude tribal areas and other higher reaches had another spell of moderate snowfall causing sharp fall in mercury. Dark convective clouds overcast the sky, reducing the visibility and vehicles had to move at snail's pace with headlights on even during the day time. Strong winds, lightening and intermittent showers forced the tourists and locals to stay indoors. Rohtang Pass, gateway to tribal Lahaul valley was closed again as the pass recorded 40 cm of snow while Marhi, Koksar, Sisu, Gondla, Keylong and Udaipur had 20 cm, 15 cm, 12 cm, 7 cm, 5 cm and 2 cm of fresh snow. The local MeT office has predicted dry weather in the lower hills for next five days upto April 25, rains and thunder showers in mid hills and rains or snow in higher hills tomorrow and dry weather from April 22. The stormy conditions are causing anxiety to farmers as rain, storm and snow during this period is damaging for stone fruit, apple and wheat crops. PTI