Thunderstorms, hail and rain lash Shimla; fresh snowfall in Kullu, Spiti Heavy thunderstorms, hail and rain battered Shimla and surrounding regions on Sunday, while higher elevations in Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti experienced fresh snowfall. Weather data showed Bhuntar recorded 12 mm of rainfall, followed by Mandi and Manali with 8 mm each. Kufri received 7 mm, Solan 6.4 mm, and Shimla 6 mm. Additional rainfall was reported in Sundernagar (5 mm), Dharamshala (3 mm), and Kangra (2 mm), with Kalpa and Neri receiving 1.8 mm each and Jubberhatti recording 1 mm. Dark convective clouds blanketed the sky throughout the day, reducing visibility in multiple areas. Light snowfall was observed in the upper hills of Manali, including near the Atal Tunnel. Residents navigated the downpours with umbrellas, as seen at the Ridge in Shimla. Over 1,000 vehicles became stranded at the south portal of the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang during the late evening, following disruptions caused by snowfall in Manali’s higher reaches. Officials stated that a police team from Manali arrived at the site to initiate rescue operations, guiding stranded vehicles toward the city. Authorities also requested the Border Road Organisation and other rescue agencies to deploy teams to prevent further vehicle slippage by applying mud and urea to the road. The police urged stranded individuals to remain patient, emphasizing that the rescue efforts were ongoing and that all were safe. Meanwhile, the heat wave affecting plains during holidays is expected to draw more tourists to the snow-covered hills. However, concerns persist regarding potential disruptions in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders.#india_meteorological_department #rohtang_pass #atal_tunnel #shimla #kullu
