Freak storm hits Jakarta

INDONESIA: A freak storm brought strong winds, heavy rain and hail to several areas of Central and South Jakarta on Saturday afternoon.

No casualties or damage were reported, although the city's Disaster Mitigation Center received reports of several felled trees near the Senayan traffic circle in South Jakarta.

The Jakarta Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said the storm, which lasted for about an hour beginning at 4 p.m., was the result of a particular type of storm cloud -- a cumulo nimbus -- that formed over the city earlier in the day.

"This type of storm cloud brings with it rain droplets and hailstones," BMG meteorologist Ramlan told The Jakarta Post.

Ramlan said this type of storm was rare and was not a precursor to further storms in the capital.

"There are currently no hurricanes near Indonesia," he said. "The closest one we are monitoring is located far north, near the Philippines, and has already begun to disperse." -- JP