SRINAGAR, November 12: Fresh snowfall in Kashmir’s higher reaches and widespread rainfall across the plains on Thursday disrupted traffic on key mountain routes, triggered a landslide along the Uri-Baramulla highway and brought down temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir.
Popular tourist destinations, including Gulmarg and Sonamarg, received fresh snowfall, while upper reaches of Gurez, Kupwara and other mountainous areas also witnessed snow under the influence of an active Western Disturbance.
The snowfall and slippery road conditions prompted authorities to suspend traffic on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway at Zojila Pass. The Mughal Road, connecting south Kashmir’s Shopian district with Poonch in the Jammu region, was also closed following snow accumulation and slippery conditions at Peer Ki Gali.
In north Kashmir, a landslide at Rajanwani along the Uri-Baramulla highway disrupted vehicular movement after debris and boulders fell onto the road. Commuters were stranded as authorities initiated clearance operations to restore traffic.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Director of Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad, said an active Western Disturbance was expected to bring widespread precipitation across Jammu and Kashmir on November 12 and 13.
He said moderate to heavy snowfall was likely in higher reaches, while the plains would receive light to moderate rainfall. Isolated areas could also experience thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds during the period.
“The impact of the Western Disturbance is expected to be widespread, with moderate to heavy snowfall likely over higher reaches of north, central and south Kashmir, besides the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions. The plains are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall,” Ahmad said.
He said temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir were likely to fall by 6-8 degrees Celsius during the spell.
According to the Meteorological Department, higher reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal were likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall. Other mountainous areas, including parts of the Pir Panjal range and Chenab Valley, were also expected to experience fresh snowfall.
Moderate snowfall was also likely at prominent tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, he said.
The department had identified several vulnerable mountain routes, including Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Pass, Sinthan Top, Margan Top and Peer Ki Gali, where snowfall could affect vehicular movement.
It advised travellers and transporters to plan their journeys carefully and follow official traffic advisories, particularly while travelling through higher-altitude areas where snow accumulation, slippery roads and reduced visibility could pose challenges.
The Meteorological Department also advised farmers to ensure the safe storage of harvested produce and avoid leaving crops exposed to rainfall during the wet spell.
The weather is likely to improve from November 14, although brief spells of light rain or snowfall cannot be ruled out at isolated places on November 14 and 15.
The department has forecast generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir from November 16 to 20.
Authorities have advised people, particularly those living in upper reaches and travelling through mountainous areas, to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of heavy snowfall.
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