Shimla, March 16 -- A sudden spell of heavy hailstorm accompanied by rain lashed the hill town of Shimla on Monday afternoon, turning large parts of the city white and bringing a sharp drop in temperature.

Several roads in the town were covered with hailstones as the sudden weather change caught many residents and pedestrians off guard. People moving without umbrellas or rain gear had to take shelter along roadsides and under nearby structures as the hailstorm intensified.

Despite the inconvenience caused to commuters and pedestrians, locals said the rainfall after a prolonged dry spell could help recharge water resources in the region.

Speaking to ANI, local resident Roshan said the sudden weather change created difficulties for peopl...