New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- Heavy rain lashed several parts of Delhi on Tuesday afternoon as the skies darkened, taking many commuters and others by surprise.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow and orange alerts for the national capital. It forecasts moderate rainfall accompanied by light thunderstorms and lightning.

The weather department also said moderate thunderstorms with lightning, hail, and wind speeds ranging between 40-60 kmph are likely over parts of central, southwest, west, northwest and north Delhi.

The downpour significantly reduced visibility, resulting in traffic jams and waterlogging in several areas.

At Palam Airport, visibility fell from 6,000 metres at 1.30 pm to 1,200 metres by 5 pm, according to...