A cloudburst is an extreme amount of precipitation in a short period of time, sometimes accompanied by hail and thunder, which is capable of creating flood-like situations in the region. Cloudbursts are usually local in nature and of brief duration, and most occur in connection with thunderstorms. During a cloudburst, more than 20 millimeters of rain may fall in a few minutes. Cloudbursts are especially common in mountainous areas, probably because the warm air currents of a thunderstorm tend to follow the upward slope of a mountain. The effects of heavy rain are especially striking on mountain slopes because the falling water is concentrated in valleys and gullies, and mountain cloudbursts cause sudden and destructive floods. Cloudbursts are responsible for flash flood creation. The term "cloudburst" arose from the notion that clouds were akin to water balloons and could burst, resulting in rapid precipitation. However, cloudbursts are not defined based on cloud characteristics and do not indicate clouds exploding. Cloudbursts are defined by the amount of rainfall. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 100 mm of rain in one hour is called a cloudburst.