With Cyclone Tauktae making landfall in Gujarat and Maharashtra, a message has surfaced on social media platforms warning people of an upcoming ‘severe storm’ in the National Capital Region while advising people to take some precautions to avoid ‘damages or casualties’.
The message that is being widely shared on WhatsApp groups reads, “Dear Residents, The meteorological department has predicted that a severe storm may hit the NCR in the next 24-48 hours. Strong winds and rain is expected midnight tonight onwards.Residents are advised to ensure following to avoid any damages or casualties : Cars parked under trees to be removed immediately & preferably park them in an open area. Remove loose and hanging items placed in balconies. Check & tighten your windows and doors. Stay Safe.”
The same message is being widely shared on Facebook as well.
Similar posts can be found here, here, and here.
FACT CHECK
NewsMobile fact-checked the above post and found the claims made in it to be misleading.
The India Meteorological Department informed on Twitter that on May 18, “Light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds with speed of 30-40 Km/h would continue to occur over and adjoining areas of entire Delhi & NCR.”
18-05-2021; 2020 IST; Light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds with speed of 30-40 Km/h would continue to occur over and adjoining areas of entire Delhi & NCR (Badurgarh, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ballabhgarh, Noida) Panipat, Gannaur, Sonipat, Gohana,
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 18, 2021
We checked the IMD’s website to know the weather forecast for the Delhi NCR region also.
As per the website, in the next 24 hours, i.e, on May 19, the area will receive moderate/heavy rainfall and thundershowers. The impact such as uprooting of small plants, waterlogging, and traffic disruption is expected. And unlike the viral post, the only suggested activity is checking traffic routes before stepping out of the home.
We also reached out to Dr K Sathi Devi, a senior India Meteorological Department official, who confirmed to NewsMobile exclusively that no ‘severe storm’ warning has been issued for the Delhi-NCR region.
“The Delhi-NCR region will receive rainfall and thunderstorm, which has already started. However, no ‘severe storm’ is expected in the upcoming 24-48 hrs,” she said.
Therefore, the viral social media post makes a misleading claim that the National Capital Region will be hit by a ‘severe storm’ in the upcoming 24-48 hours due to the movement of cyclonic storm Tauktae.
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