Wed Sep 25 17:10:38 UTC 2024: ## Mumbai Batters Under Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms, City Brought to a Standstill

**Mumbai, India** – A severe thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rainfall and lightning, has gripped Mumbai and several districts in Maharashtra, causing widespread disruption and chaos across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the region, warning of gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph.

The downpour has wreaked havoc on Mumbai’s transportation system. Flights at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have been severely affected, with 14 flights diverted due to wind shear and deteriorating weather conditions. Mumbai’s suburban train network has also been severely impacted, with rail tracks submerged at Kurla, Bhandup, and Vikhroli, causing significant delays on the Central Railway line. Train cancellations on the Western line have led to overcrowding at stations, leaving commuters facing long delays.

In light of the severe weather, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the closure of all schools and colleges in Mumbai on Thursday. The BMC has also urged residents to venture outdoors only if absolutely necessary.

The IMD predicts the heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity to continue for the next two to three days, with widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall expected across Mumbai, Konkan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Marathwada. Some areas are expected to receive extreme heavy rainfall exceeding 204.5 mm.

The weather system responsible for the intense conditions is a trough and shear zone extending from North Konkan to South Bangladesh, which has merged with other atmospheric disturbances.

The IMD advises residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions during this period of severe weather.

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