Hailstorm likely to hit Islamabad, Rawalpindi today: NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued a weather advisory warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and isolated hailstorms expected to strike Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and other regions from Friday evening through Saturday.

This alert follows a damaging hailstorm that hit the federal capital and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), resulting in smashed vehicle windscreens, shattered solar panels, and broken tree branches.

The advisory covers the Pothohar region, upper, and central Punjab, cautioning that strong winds and torrential rain could cause infrastructure damage, disrupt travel, and impact agriculture.

High-speed winds may uproot trees and lead to temporary power outages, while hailstorms threaten vehicles, rooftops, power lines, and crops — especially installations with glass surfaces.

Reduced visibility due to dust and rain may raise the risk of road accidents. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed by downloading the official Pak NDMA Disaster Alert app for real-time updates.

Tourists and locals in at-risk areas should monitor verified sources for developments and avoid non-essential travel.

Residents are advised to take precautionary measures, secure loose items, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions.