Srinagar, Oct. 9 -- Torrential rains and hailstorms hit many parts of Kashmir, damaging crops and affecting power lines on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a wet spell ahead, including light snowfall in the higher reaches, over the next 48 hours, officials said.

The weather turned cloudy in the evening, with high-velocity winds and high-speed rain experienced in many parts, including the capital, Srinagar.

The winds damaged the rooftops of many houses. In Srinagar's Press Enclave, a chinar tree fell on a parked car, severely damaging the vehicle. In Dal Lake, many shikara rowers had a hard time saving their boats from capsizing. "Many shikaras lost their roofs, and many trees were also damaged around the...