BELGRADE: Strong rain and hail storm wreaked havoc on Belgrade Wednesday, knocking out parts of the power grid and bringing rush hour traffic to a standstill.

Large parts of the capital were left without electricity and tens of thousands of people were stuck in their cars as the storm arrived at the peak of the afternoon rush hour, local reports said.

Several key crossroads and ramps were submerged. Rivers of water flowed down sloped streets, carrying cars and garbage containers. Gale force wind knocked some trees down.

Unconfirmed media reports stated that people and cars fell into a sinkhole, opened in a street in an eastern suburb, apparently caused by the swollen brook running under the street.

There have been no injuries reported but police have issued a warning advising people to stay at home and not to drive. – dpa