A sudden and severe storm accompanied by lightning plunged several cities in Punjab into darkness on Wednesday, effectively turning morning into night. The unexpected weather event caused widespread power outages and disrupted daily life across the region.
Impact on Major Cities
The storm hit major cities including Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala with fierce intensity. Residents reported that the sky turned pitch black in the middle of the day, with heavy rain and gusty winds lashing the area. Lightning strikes were frequent, leading to power failures as electricity lines were damaged.
Power Outages and Disruptions
Electricity supply was severely affected, with many areas experiencing outages lasting several hours. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) deployed teams to restore power, but the extent of damage slowed recovery efforts. Traffic signals went dark, causing chaos on roads, and essential services like hospitals had to rely on backup generators.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Punjab, predicting more thunderstorms and lightning over the next 24 hours. Farmers have been advised to take precautions as crops may be damaged. Authorities urge residents to stay indoors and avoid open areas during the storm.
This extreme weather event highlights the increasing unpredictability of climate patterns in the region. Officials are assessing the damage and working to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
