Uttarakhand is on edge after a sudden spell of heavy rain, hailstorms, and fierce winds swept across the state. The storm damaged property, snapped power lines, and forced the administration to place every district on high alert.
The weather shifted abruptly on Sunday morning. Within hours, it escalated into widespread disruption. Trees fell across roads. Debris blocked key routes. Power cuts hit several areas, leaving residents struggling to move and function. Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman chaired an urgent review and directed officials to respond without delay.
Orange alert in force, more rough weather ahead
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Pauri, Nainital, Champawat and Udham Singh Nagar for May 4 and 5. It has warned of heavy rainfall, hailstorms and intense spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kmph.
Another orange alert for May 5 covers Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar and Pithoragarh. A yellow alert remains in place for other districts until May 6. Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms will continue across most regions over the next two days. Higher areas above 4,000 metres may receive snowfall.
Damage on the ground: Tin roofs torn, farmers on edge
The damage is already visible. In Khatima, heavy rain, hail and strong winds tore through local areas. The storm blew away around three tin sheds and damaged several temporary structures. Residents reported losses. Farmers now fear crop damage at a critical time.
Rainfall data shows the scale of the system. Jollygrant recorded 21.6 mm of rain. Mohakampur received 19.8 mm. Hill towns such as Mukteshwar, Mussoorie and Pithoragarh also saw steady rainfall.
In Dehradun, dark clouds turned the morning into near night. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 34.7 degrees Celsius, 5.3 degrees below normal. Across the state, temperatures have dropped sharply. They may fall further by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in the coming days. The capital will likely see cloudy skies, with temperatures between 31 and 19 degrees Celsius.
Administration steps in, Char Dham Yatra under tight watch
The administration has moved quickly. Officials have been told to clear blocked roads as a priority. They must restore connectivity without delay. Agencies such as the National Highways, PWD, PMGSY, and BRO remain on standby.
Authorities have increased monitoring in vulnerable areas. They have regulated trekking and kept rescue teams ready. Local officials must maintain constant communication. Schools have been told to ensure student safety.
The Char Dham Yatra remains under close watch. Officials have ordered helicopter services to operate strictly based on weather conditions. Authorities have already suspended services in Kedarnath Dham, Phata, Sonprayag, Sersi, and Guptkashi due to unsafe conditions. Security personnel, DDRF teams, and sector magistrates remain deployed on high alert.
A brief respite, but a larger warning
The rain has brought some relief from April’s intense heat. But the larger concern remains. Weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable. An active western disturbance continues to influence the region. More sudden spells cannot be ruled out.
For Uttarakhand, this is a clear warning. The hills can turn hostile within hours. Preparedness is not optional. It is the only line of defence.
