Delhi-NCR hit by severe dust storm, several trees uprooted, flights diverted

NEW DELHI: Duststorm accompanied with strong winds hit parts of Delhi and NCR or Saturday. Following severe rain that lashed the Capital, as many as 18 flights were diverted from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International airport.

Issuing a fresh warning, the Indian Meteorological Department said that dust storm or thunderstorm accompanied with light rain and squall is likely to hit the national capital and its adjoining areas in the next three hours.

The MET department also predicted that the wind speed will go upto 70 to 80 KMPH. "Dust storm or thunderstorm accompanied with light rain and squall with wind speed upto 70 to 80 KMPH would occur over Delhi and NCR during next 3 hours," forecasted IMD.

Dust storm & strong winds hit Delhi, a change in weather brings respite from the heat. Visuals from Chhatarpur area. pic.twitter.com/uPxMoVX2CF — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018

A sudden change in weather marked by dust storm & strong winds hit Delhi, visuals from Akbar Road. pic.twitter.com/Rpo4tDjlzY — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018

Private weather forecasting agency Skymet earlier predicted pre-Monsoon weather activities to hit Delhi and adjoining cities such as Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. "The wind speed at the time of weather activities would be 50 to 60 kmph gusting up to 70 kmph in some areas," it said.

Dust storm, strong winds & clouds turn the sky dark in Delhi, visuals from Dwarka. pic.twitter.com/RRVN1g6v3K — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018

Dust storm & strong winds hit Delhi, visuals from RK Puram area. pic.twitter.com/aNbEpNaBRi — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2018

According to the private weather forecasting agency, even though the intensity of these activities would be less as compared to the storm experienced in May, uprooting of trees and electric poles may take place.

These on and off activities pre-Monsoon activities will bring down the temperatures to some extent leading to relief from the scorching heat, Skymet added.