Srinagar, April 19 -- The abrupt weather change, which began Thursday night, brought widespread disruption across the region. From Srinagar's rain-soaked streets to snow-draped mountains in Tulail and Sithan Top, residents woke to a sharp dip in temperatures and warnings from the Meteorological Department.

On Friday evening, intense hail storms accompanied by lightning, thunderstorms, and strong winds wreaked havoc in several districts, destroying fruit-laden trees and crops. The worst affected areas include Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, and Kupwara, where apple, cherry, pear, and plum orchards suffered significant losses.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT Department, said moderate to heavy rain accompanied ...