There were reports of snowfall as well from some parts of the city close to the Margalla Hills. It is after over a decade that the capital city has received such a heavy hailstorm. The Met office said it recorded only 2mm rain in the city.
The residents of sector ‘E’ and ‘F’, especially youngsters and children, came out of their homes to have a feel of the weather and enjoy the ice, more then six inches thick at some places hit by the hailstorm.
The storm did not last long, and swept across the capital, from Margallas in the north towards the south, leaving most part of the city covered in hails within an hour.
Thick layer of hails was seen on the vehicles parked at the shopping centres of F-series sectors, as well as alongside the Jinnah Avenue, while the traffic ploughed through the ice slowly.
The hailstorm hit the town with such ferocity that for quite a while, the traffic remained standstill, and the motorists stopped their vehicles immediately wherever they could find a shelter.
Those who failed to find one, got off the road and parked the vehicles on the shoulder till the time they were able to see things more clearly. But, no damage was seen because the size of hails was very small, and, at many places, people were even seen walking around with a simple umbrella to cover them from the direct impact.
Interestingly, the hailstorm, or even rain, never reached the area beyond Shakarparian hillock. Likewise, the area beyond the Garden Avenue intersection on the Islamabad Highway, was completely dry.
Some motorists were seen driving very carefully and slowly on the Islamabad Highway in an attempt to preserve the layer of hails on their cars, apparently to show to their families back home.
OUR CORRESPONDENT FROM MURREE ADDS: Murree received the first snowfall of the current winter season on Tuesday, breaking the long dry spell.
It started snowing at noon and continued intermittently till the filling of this report.
According to the Met office, foggy conditions in plain areas will improve. The snowfall will also check spread of various diseases, including cold and fever.
The residents of Murree welcomed the snowfall, which will boost their businesses.