Srinagar, Dec 27: Srinagar and other plains of Kashmir witnessed the season’s first snowfall on Friday, bringing joy to residents and tourists alike. The Meteorological Department has forecasted that the prevailing weather conditions will persist until Saturday, with further snowfall expected.
The snowfall, which began late Friday afternoon, continued into the evening, blanketing most areas of the region. In parts of south Kashmir, snow accumulation exceeded 1 to 2 feet, severely disrupting daily life.
Srinagar experienced its first snowfall of the season after a prolonged dry spell, much to the delight of both locals and tourists. Visitors were seen relishing the fresh snowfall along the Boulevard Road, overlooking the picturesque Dal Lake.
The season’s first snowfall was also recorded in several plains of south Kashmir, including Bijbehara, Shopian, Kulgam, parts of Pulwama, Qazigund, Baramulla, and other regions across the Valley on Friday.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a post on X, shared his experience of traveling from Jammu to Srinagar on Friday, saying, “It snowed continuously from Banihal to Srinagar. The conditions were quite treacherous. I understand that around 2,000 vehicles are stuck between the tunnel and Qazigund. My office has been in touch with the administration in South Kashmir.”
He added that while snow clearance was underway, the road was very icy. “Heavy vehicles are being allowed to move, and efforts are ongoing to clear the rest of the stranded vehicles,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of MeT Srinagar, confirmed that widespread light to moderate snowfall had been predicted for the Valley, with heavy snowfall in higher reaches. “On Saturday, there is a possibility of intermittent light rain and snowfall in some places, with gradual improvement thereafter. No significant weather activity is expected until December 31. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding areas from January 1 to 3,” he said.
In Jammu division, Dr. Ahmad noted that the plains and higher reaches received rain throughout the day, with significant improvement expected from Saturday afternoon.
“From December 29 to December 31, dry weather is expected to remain dry. Another western disturbance, light snowfall is expected at isolated places across the region on January 1 and 2 under generally cloudy skies. Between January 3 and 5, the weather will remain cloudy, with light snowfall predicted at isolated to scattered locations, Director MeT said.
The MeT officials reported that Srinagar city received 3 inches of snow, while ski-resort Gulmarg in Baramulla recorded a fresh 1 foot of snowfall. Other areas such as Tangmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Qazigund saw varying snow depths, ranging from 5 to 12 inches. Higher reaches, including Peer ki Galli, Marwah in Kishtwar, and Zojila Pass, experienced heavy snowfall.
Pulwama 5 inches, Tral 4 inches, Kulgam 5 inches, 3 inches Kokernag, 1-2 inches Banihal, Jawahar Tunnel 4 inches, Kupwara 5 inches, Baramulla 3 inches, Ganderbal 4 inches, Bandipora 8 inches, Budgam 3 inches.
While most of the upper reaches experienced moderate snowfall at the fag-end of the Chilla-i-Kalan.
Peer ki Galli also witnessed heavy snowfall and recorded more than 1 feet till Friday evening. Marwah in Kishtwar received 1 feet, Warwan 11 inches, Sinton Top, Minimarg, Sadhna Top, Zojila Pass, and Drass also received heavy snowfall till late evening. Karna, Keran and Machil sector in Kupwara witnessed heavy snowfall.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, assured that snow clearance machines had been deployed across the Valley. “Once the snowfall stops, all roads will be cleared. We have already cleared main routes including access to hospitals, markets, and other vital areas,” he said.
Snow clearance was also underway on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which turned slippery due to the fresh snowfall, causing disruptions to vehicular movement. People reported that vehicles were moving slowly, with 3 to 4 inches of snow piling up at Qazigund and Kulgam. Traffic police confirmed that around 2,500 vehicles were stranded along the highway, with no fresh traffic expected on Saturday.
Apart from adequate snow clearance machines of the Mechanical Department, he said the Public Works Department (PWD) has also deputed additional snow clearance machines this time especially hired for quick snow clearance.
Vehicular movement stopped on Mughal Road and SSG road in view of fresh snowfall. Commuters are advised not to travel on Mughal Road till the weather is improve and road is clear
A traffic police spokesman said Vehicular movement stopped on Mughal Road and SSG road in view of fresh snowfall. Commuters are advised not to travel on Mughal Road till the weather improves and the road is clear, he added.
He said Kupwara-Karna, Machil Kupwara, Kiran-Kupwara, and Bandipora-Gurez roads have been closed for the traffic movement due to fresh snowfall.
While the railway connectivity remained normal from Baramulla to Banihal section. However, passengers were cautioned about possible delays attributed to adverse weather conditions. The railway authorities appealed for cooperation to ensure smoother journeys
As per MeT advisory, due to intermittent moderate snow since Friday afternoon lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes, Travellers are advised to plan accordingly & follow administration,traffic Police advisory.
In response to ongoing snowfall and treacherous road conditions, Jammu and Kashmir Police swiftly extended assistance to commuters and patients stranded at various locations across the Valley. The initiative ensured timely relief and safety for those facing challenges due to the adverse weather.
A police spokesperson said that special assistance teams have been deployed at key points throughout the valley. These teams are equipped to provide immediate aid to vehicles and commuters impacted by slippery roads and heavy snowfall.
“The Public is advised to exercise caution while traveling in such weather conditions. For emergencies or assistance, citizens are encouraged to Dial 112. The Police has established 24/7 helpline numbers to cater to those in need during this period,” he said.
Meanwhile Police rescued nine passengers stranded at Sinthan Top due to heavy snowfall. The incident occurred when a Tavera vehicle traveling from Kishtwar to Daksum skidded into a water drain, leaving its occupants stranded in challenging weather conditions.
“The distress call, made by Fayaz Ahmad, a passenger in the vehicle, was promptly acted upon by Anantnag Police. A Police team, led by the SDPO Kokernag and SHO Kokernag, rushed to the spot to assist in the efforts,” the police spokesman said.
