21 Jan 2022 | 07:17 AM UTC
India: Severe weather forecast through Jan. 24 across northern and central regions
Severe weather including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds forecast through at least Jan. 24 across northern and central India.
Event
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds are forecast to affect northern and central India through at least Jan. 24. As of Jan. 21, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) weather alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, and hail for portions of western Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states, while orange heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and hail alerts are in place for Haryana Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand states as well as the National Capital Territory and Chandigarh Union Territory through Jan. 22. As the system tracks east, the IMD has issued orange thunderstorms, lightning, and hail alerts for Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal states Jan. 23. Yellow alerts are in place for much of the rest of the affected area through Jan. 24. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories, as weather conditions change over the coming days.
Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Landslides could block roads and railways. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles. Further disruptions to rail transport are possible where floodwaters inundate tracks. Hazardous weather conditions might cause flight delays and cancellations at regional airports.
Advice
Confirm flights. Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential freight delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.
