Dust Storm, Rains disrupt Mumbai; flights and trains delayed

Mumbai and its environs are currently experiencing thunderstorm activity, expected to persist for about an hour and a half, as stated by Mumbai IMD chief Sunil Kamble. The IMD has also warned of the potential for hail in isolated areas and advised residents to take necessary precautions while venturing outdoors. 

Duststorm & Rain Alert with gusty winds :

Next 3 hrs for mumbai Rain at some places with lightning, gale force winds possible Stay tune for updates Be Indoor stay safe in homes please.#MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/R0FBc4SE8h

— Maharashtra Weather महाराष्ट्र हवामान अंदाज🌥️🌩️☀ (@Weather_MH) May 13, 2024

On Monday, heavy rains and gusty winds battered parts of Mumbai and neighbouring metropolitan regions, causing disruptions to daily life and resulting in several injuries. The suburbs of Dadar, Kurla, Mahim, Ghatkopar, Mulund, and Vikhroli witnessed rains and gusty winds, while parts of south Mumbai saw light drizzles. Additionally, satellite towns like Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur, Kalyan, and Ulhasnagar experienced moderate showers accompanied by strong winds.

Currently, Mumbai, India resembles a scene from a Hollywood movie set.

Mumbai experienced its first rain of the season followed by a massive dust storm and blackouts in certain areas.

Airplanes were unable to receive a landing signal at the Mumbai airport.

Residents of Mumbai… pic.twitter.com/F2gT8v2StS

— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) May 13, 2024

In Ghatkopar, at least 35 people sustained injuries after an iron hoarding collapsed, according to civic officials.

#6ETravelAdvisory : The dust storm has returned, this time over #Mumbai. Potential air traffic congestion is expected, so keep a tab on your flight status https://t.co/rpnOvAOxQl Plan your journey to the airport accordingly and have a safe trip.

— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) May 13, 2024

Flight and train operations were also affected by the sudden weather changes. Visibility issues led to the diversion of several flights bound for Mumbai, with an aviation weather report indicating wind speeds of up to 55 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph from the east/northeast direction. Passengers scheduled for evening and night departures have been cautioned about potential delays.

Meanwhile, train services between Thane and Mulund were halted due to a tree falling on overhead wires, and the Harbour line witnessed intermittent disruptions due to fluctuations in overhead wire conditions caused by heavy rains and strong winds. Multiple incidents of tree fall and waterlogging were reported in Thane, with CR slow lines being stopped after an OHE mast collapsed in Mulund.

Metro services were suspended between Aarey and Andheri East metro stations after a banner landed on the overhead wire due to strong winds.

Structural collapses and tree uprooting incidents were also reported, including injuries sustained after an aluminium shade fell at the Police Ground Petrol Pump in Ghatkopar East.

Power outages affected various parts of the city following the dust storm and rain, causing inconvenience to residents, particularly those relying on elevators. Tata Power officials attributed the disruption to a snag at MSETCL’s 220 kV bus at Kalwa, which has since been rectified.

IMD has issued warnings of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate to intense spells of rain, with gusty winds reaching 50-60 kmph likely to occur in isolated places in Thane and Satara districts. 

The possibility of hail has also been forecasted, prompting residents to exercise caution when stepping outside. While the unexpected showers provided relief from the heat, power outages were reported in Kalwa and other areas of Thane district.