Chandigarh, Jan 23 (UNI) Persistent rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds continued to affect large parts of Punjab, Haryana, and the Tricity region on Friday, disrupting routine life and impacting Republic Day preparations in several districts. According to a nowcast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chandigarh, light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms and winds of 30-40 kmph was expected to continue over Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and adjoining areas for a few hours. In isolated pockets, wind speeds intensified to around 60 kmph, accompanied by lightning and occasional hail.