A severe hailstorm and cyclone-like winds swept through Kulgam district in south Kashmir on Monday, causing extensive damage to orchards, buildings, and vehicles.
The storm, which brought winds of up to 81 km/h, uprooted trees and disrupted normal life in the area.
According to Faizan Arif, an independent weather observer, the winds were strong enough to be classified as a Cyclonic Storm, with speeds between 63-87 km/h. Some areas may have even experienced winds over 90 km/h, nearing a Severe Cyclonic Storm category.
The storm was caused by the convergence of a Western Disturbance and monsoon winds, which is expected to bring moderate rainfall to Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours, Faizan- who runs popular weather page Kashmir Weather- said
The Meteorological Department has issued an advisory warning of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
People Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti shared a video of the hailstorm on social media, calling for urgent action to assess damages and compensate affected growers.
The Kashmir valley, including Srinagar, experienced light to moderate rainfall, bringing down temperatures and disrupting normal life.
The weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with light to moderate rain over the next 24 hours, with a brief spell of dry weather from September 4-5. However, there is a possibility of isolated rain showers from September 6-13, with a chance of light snowfall over higher reaches.
