Uttarakhand weather: IMD issues orange alert for 5 districts, warns of heavy rain and flash floods

Uttarakhand is likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Dehradun, Champawat, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts. The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms with lightning and very intense to extremely intense spells of rain in these districts.

An IMD yellow alert has been issued for the remaining districts of Uttarakhand, where heavy rain is likely at isolated places. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and intense to very intense spells of rain are also expected at isolated locations in these districts.

Orange alert districts in Uttarakhand

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in Dehradun, Champawat, Bageshwar, Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital.


These areas may also witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and very intense to extremely intense spells of rain at isolated places.

Yellow alert for remaining districts

The remaining districts of Uttarakhand are under a yellow alert for isolated heavy rainfall. The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms with lightning and intense to very intense spells of rain at isolated locations across these districts.

IMD warns of landslides, flash floods

The weather department has warned that heavy or intense rainfall could trigger landslides, rockfalls and mudslides at isolated places. Roads, highways and bridges could be blocked or washed away because of rockfalls, landslides and flooding.

Heavy rain may also affect electricity and water services, while supply and transportation could be disrupted at isolated places for a few days. There could also be isolated incidents of damage to life and property.

Continuous heavy rainfall may increase discharge from dams and barrages, resulting in a rise in river levels. Major rivers and their tributaries could witness a moderate increase in water levels.

Heavy rain falling over melting snowpack may cause a sudden increase in water flow in rivulets and rainwater streams. This could lead to bank erosion, overflowing water and flash floods at isolated places.

Very intense or extremely intense rainfall could cause flash flooding and inundation in low-lying areas. In mountainous and steep terrain, rapid runoff could cause streams to rise quickly at isolated locations.

The IMD has also warned of possible damage to vulnerable structures, including kutcha houses, roads, walls, huts, under-construction buildings, bridges and tunnels. Railway operations, as well as district headquarters, government and private institutions, schools, hospitals, pilgrim sites and tourist destinations, may also be affected.

Lightning could result in isolated incidents of damage to life and property.

IMD advisory for residents and travellers

The IMD has advised people living in landslide-prone areas to remain alert. Pilgrims and tourists travelling to Chardham or other destinations have been advised to stay cautious and travel only when necessary. During continuous or heavy rain, travellers should watch for unstable or steep slopes.

People living near major rivers, tributaries, rivulets, streams, low-lying areas and flood plains have also been advised to remain alert. Dam, barrage and hydroelectric power plant authorities should take necessary precautionary measures.

The IMD has advised that mountaineering expeditions may be halted, with expedition members moving to safe locations. Commuters and people travelling by vehicle should remain cautious and travel only when necessary.

People have been advised to stay indoors during heavy rain or flash floods and not attempt to cross active landslide areas. They should monitor weather updates through local media and other official updates.

The IMD has also advised people to avoid fragile hilly terrain and steep slopes, refrain from walking through flooded areas and avoid flooded roads while travelling in vehicles. Swimming or boating in swollen rivulets, streams, rivers and their tributaries should also be avoided during heavy rain.

State government authorities have been advised to take necessary precautionary measures to ensure the smooth movement of people.