Sopore, Jun 14: A powerful hailstorm coupled with torrential rainfall swept across several villages of Rafiabad and Handwara areas on Sunday evening, leaving residents startled and raising serious concerns about potential damage to crops and orchards. Areas including Watergam, Rehmatabad, Dangiwacha, Kralgund, Langate and several adjoining villages experienced the brunt of the sudden weather disturbance. The storm began with dark clouds gathering rapidly over the region, followed by strong winds and intense showers of rain and hail.