Possibility of hailstone along with high winds, DoHM issues weather alert

Kathmandu, March 20: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DoHM) has called for adopting high alertness as there is the possibility of human and material damage due to high winds accompanied by hailstone since the afternoon today particularly in some districts in the Tarai.

The public is urged to avoid going outside unnecessarily and to take necessary precautions to reduce potential damage that may be caused by the storm. 

Disaster management expert Dr Dharmaraj Upreti advised the general public to take necessary precautions, stating that damage from natural disasters is increasing in Nepal due to ignoring the weather alert.

He urged not to drive vehicles during storms and hail, not to sit near trees and electric poles, and to avoid going outside unnecessarily.

According to the Department, there is a possibility of moderate rain and snowfall with thunder, hail, and storms in many places of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, some hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi province including in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, and a few places in the Tarai of Bagmati, Madhesh, and Koshi provinces towards the afternoon today.

Department spokesperson Bibhuti Pokharel said that in the afternoon strong winds would particularly blow in the Tarai region and this would last for two to three hours, urging special precautions to be taken.

According to spokesperson Pokharel, light rain along with thunder and lightning is taking place in some districts of the Sudurpaschim, Karnali and Lumbini provinces at present also. It is necessary to adopt alertness as this system is moving north-eastwards. 

"There is a possibility of strong winds (around 50–60 km/h) in the Tarai region of Madhesh Province as well as in Koshi and Lumbini provinces. Due to this, there is a risk of trees falling, weak structures and roofs being blown off, and disruption of electricity and communication services, so it is necessary to take necessary measures and precautions to avoid its impact," she said.

According to spokesperson Pokhrel, there is a possibility of heavy rain/snow in one or two places in the hilly and mountainous areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces this afternoon. The Department stated that Nepal is currently under the influence of a western low-pressure system and local winds.

Spokesperson Pokharel said the impact of the storm in the Kathmandu Valley would be low. She mentioned that although it would have a greater impact in the Tarai region, there is no need to panic, but it is necessary to take precautions. (RSS)