Islamabad weather: storm, rain plunge city into darkness

ISLAMABAD:  A powerful weather system swept across Islamabad on Thursday evening, plunging parts of the city into darkness as black clouds rolled in and strong, dusty winds battered the capital.

Several areas experienced sudden rain accompanied by high-velocity gusts, turning day into night under thick cloud cover.

The dust-laden winds broke windowpanes in buildings and disrupted daily life across various sectors.

The odd weather forced the authorities to halt metro bus services as wind speeds reached dangerous levels, posing safety risks for commuters and infrastructure. Emergency teams were placed on alert amid reports of minor damages in residential and commercial zones.

Meteorological officials have forecast further rain and gusty winds in the coming hours, advising residents to stay indoors and take precautions.

As soon as the weather changed, residents of Islamabad were reminded of the April 16 episode of hailstorm and quickly took shelter, parking their vehicles indoors.

On April 16, Islamabad weather had turned violent as several sectors experienced rainfall and hailstorms, bringing relief from the heat.

Heavy hailstorms were reported in Sector E-11, F-6, F-8, G-8, I-9 and other areas with the downpour accompanied by strong winds that significantly cooled temperatures across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

But the short-lived weather reprieve came at a high price.  In several places, the hailstorm’s ferocity caused broken automobile windshields, dented roofs, and broken windows in homes.  Videos of golf-ball-sized hailstones hitting houses and cars were posted on social media by several locals.

On Saturday, weather took similar turn in Islamabad with sudden arrival of gusty winds and dark clouds created panic among residents, reminding them of the April 16 hailstorm that battered the city.