Thunderstorms, rains likely in 13 states, two UTs today

NEW DELHI: Thunderstorms accompanied by squall, hail and heavy rains are likely to occur in at least 13 states and two Union Territories across the country on May 7, the home ministry said.

Thunderstorm accompanied with squall and hail are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh while thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely tomorrow at isolated places in Uttarakhand and Punjab.

Heavy rains are likely tomorrow at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, a home ministry official said on Sunday quoting an Indian Meteorological Department advisory.

Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana + , Chandigarh, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Dust storm and thunderstorm are also likely at isolated places in West Rajasthan, the official said.

Meanwhile, the Haryana government has directed all state and private schools to remain closed for the next two days in view of the rain and thunderstorm warning, news agency ANI reported.

At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others were injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week.