LAHORE: Torrential rain backed by gale lashed Punjab capital, blew down hundreds of trees, disrupted power supply and flooded roads and intersections in several parts of the city on Friday.

Johar Town and surrounding localities recorded 100mm rain in hardly 35 minutes, disrupting Friday prayers as well.

The rain caused massive traffic congestion after trees and electricity poles fell on roads. Several motorists were found stuck on roads blocked due to uprooted trees.

According to the Water and Sanitation Agency, several areas of the city received significant rainfall, with Johar Town recording the highest at 100.2mm, followed by Gulshan-i-Ravi with 46.2mm and Samanabad with 42.8mm.

A number of distribution feeders of 11kV capacity tripped due to rain, leaving several parts of the city without electricity for hours. The power was restored to most affected parts by 8:30pm.

The flood forecasting division of the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned about the possible heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall till Saturday that may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Gujrat and Sialkot.

Rain may also cause local streams and hill torrents in Kashmir, Murree, Galiyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and the Potohar region to swell, raising the risk of flash flooding.

The division says River flows at several key barrages and headworks are expected to reach low-level flood stage over the next 24 hours, while moderate increases in flows in major rivers and adjoining nullahs may occur over the following 24 to 36 hours.

Imran Gabol also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2026