A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 2.5 cm in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 93kph km/h. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages.In a weather warning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the states likely to be affected by thunderstorms and gusty winds are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Karnataka and Kerala. The weather office warned of squalls and hail along with thunderstorms in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Thunderstorm, accompanied with squall, is also expected at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim.
Thunderstorm, accompanied by squall with wind speed reaching 50-70 km/h and hail, is very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. A mild snowfall has occurred in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, while region also faces some rains. The local weather office has warned travelers of more snow and heavy rain accompanied by hailstorms and gusty winds in the state. It is advisable for the travelers to first check weather conditions then plan the journey.Trekking can be as dangerous as it can be wonderful. There are so many things that can go wrong on a trip, many of them are way beyond your control; take for instance, thunderstorms, there is no amount of planning that can amply circumvent such an event. Though you may not be able to control what happens, this does not mean that you can’t try to be prepared to handle it. Disasters can happen at any time and anywhere, it is how you deal with them that determines your survival!
Listen to local news or this safety service to stay informed about thunderstorm watches and warnings. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds. Tents and pavilions are not good options. If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers.Thunderstorms are very dangerous, whether you are camping or if you are at home. Being as safe as possible can determine your survival. Most of the survival tips given are plain common sense, therefore, whenever you are placed in any troubling or dangerous situation and you are not sure what you should do, you should always go with your gut instincts.
