India: Adverse weather forecast across northern regions through at least Feb. 22

Severe weather is forecast across parts of northern India through at least Feb. 22. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a press release warning of an intense spell of rainfall and snowfall over the Western Himalayan region Feb. 17-22 and the adjoining northwestern plains Feb. 19-22, with the peak of the severe weather expected Feb. 19-20. Heavy snowfall and rainfall may be accompanied by thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds over the affected area over the coming days.

The IMD has issued the following severe weather warnings Feb. 17-20:

Feb. 17

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale): Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Feb. 18

• Orange heavy rain, heavy snow, and hailstorm warnings: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Punjab and Uttarakhand.

Feb. 19

• Orange heavy rain, heavy snow, and hailstorm warnings: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand.

• Orange thunderstorm, lightning, and hailstorm warnings: Chandigarh, Delhi. Haryana, Punjab, and western Uttar Pradesh.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Rajasthan.

Feb. 20

• Orange heavy rain, heavy snow, and hailstorm warnings: Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand.

• Orange thunderstorm, lightning, and hailstorm warnings: Chandigarh, Delhi. Haryana, Punjab, and western Uttar Pradesh.

• Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

• Yellow hailstorm warnings: Madhya Pradesh.

Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.

Where precipitation falls as rain, flash and areal flooding is possible. Such flooding is possible in low-lying communities near watercourses and other large bodies of water, as well as in urban areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream of large reservoirs may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall.

Where precipitation falls as snow in higher elevations, wind gusts could cause blowing and drifting snow; decreased visibility is likely in mountainous areas. Rain-induced landslides cannot be discounted in areas of elevated terrain; there is also the possibility of avalanches in mountainous areas where the snowpack has become unstable due to heavy snowfall. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and related debris may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around the affected area. Flooding in urban areas could also result in significant traffic congestion. Heavy snow will likely make driving hazardous in some areas; authorities could implement temporary road closures or detours in such locations. Mountain passes and tunnels could be closed as a precautionary measure during periods of intense snowfall. Accumulations of snow could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track blockages.