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.

As many as 15 flights were diverted at the Delhi airport on Tuesday due to heavy rain in the national capital.

The official said that out of the 15 flights, 8 were diverted to Jaipur, 5 to Lucknow and 2 to Ch...