How stormy is it about to get in Delhi NCR?
Six arriving flights and one departure flight got delayed due to the dust storm.
A week after thunderstorm and rainfall wrecked havoc in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, killing more than 100 people, an intense dust storm with a wind speed of 70kmph hit the national capital region Monday (May 7) night. There was an IMD alert, issued on Monday, of “a cyclonic circulation over Haryana”, saying it will bring light to moderate rainfall in north India.
Amid the ongoing blame-game between the IMD and the UP and Rajasthan governments over accountability for the recent deaths, the Delhi government acted quickly on the IMD alert. Delhi Traffic and Delhi Metro, too, announced precautionary measures.
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) 7 May 2018
Disaster Preparation (During) #Thunderstorms/#Duststorms/#Squall Do's and Don'ts pic.twitter.com/xQuyaoyWh8
— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) 7 May 2018
The storm is gaining momentum in Delhi now #duststorm #storm #sandstorm pic.twitter.com/22tF6ZtAyj
— Bunny Punia (@BunnyPunia) 7 May 2018
#WATCH: Dust storm hits Delhi's RK Puram. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) a spell of rain/ thunderstorm accompanied with squall (wind speed 50-70 kmph) likely to occur over Delhi and NCR during next 3 to 4 hours. pic.twitter.com/xXc7AHHs5T
— ANI (@ANI) 7 May 2018
Metro to control speed
“If wind speed is reported in the range of 70-90kmph, then train movement will remain normal, but trains will enter with a restricted speed of 40kmph or less at platforms on elevated sections. If wind speed is more than 90kmph, then trains will be put oh hold at platforms… no train will enter the platform with a speed of more than 15kmph. Normal movement of trains will be restored once the wind speed is less then 85kmph for continuous five minutes,” the DMRC said.
Evening schools in Delhi shut today
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has said all evening shift schools will remain closed until further notice. Other schools have been asked not to hold outdoor activities. In Gurgaon and Ghaziabad, too, schools will remain closed on Tuesday.
Chances of severe storm decreased?
According to reports, Monday's maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 39.6 degrees, while the minimum temperature settled at 24 degrees.
Chances of severe #Dust storm over #Delhi and NCR have decreased. We expect one or two spells during afternoon and evening. Winds will be 50 to 60 Kmph gusting to 70 Kmph. @SkymetWeather @delhirain
— Mahesh Palawat (@Mpalawat) 8 May 2018
The IMD weather bulletin, however, predicted thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds at isolated places over Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.
Weather Warning Bulletin:Source:IMD pic.twitter.com/gCRiXHP4SZ
— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) 8 May 2018
Flights delayed
Six arriving flights and one departure flight got delayed due to the dust storm. Many areas in the NCR were, however, not affected by the midnight storm.
Ah! The lament of my friend whose kids are home because of the #duststorm which barely happened. Have you been staying indoors too? #Delhi #DelhiStorm pic.twitter.com/WUJznIhaaD
— thegeneral'sdaughter (@dibbi18) 8 May 2018