Day 3: Higher reaches experience snowfall, rain in plains

Srinagar, Jan 31: Kashmir valley witnessed another round of moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches and rain in plains for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecasted that the current weather conditions are expected to persist until Saturday.
The weather department had issued a red alert for the next 24 hours as there are chances of heavy rain, snow, and thundershowers at the upper reaches of the valley.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that as expected higher reaches experienced snowfall and rain lashed plains on Wednesday. Srinagar also recorded a good spell of rainfall till late Wednesday evening, he said.
“On Thursday, weather will remain generally cloudy during daytime with the possibility of heavy snowfall over a few higher reaches of north, North-western and South Kashmir,” he said.
Dr. Mukhtar said that few lower reaches and plains of north, northwestern and South Kashmir region may receive snowfall depth of 6-8 inches, while plains of Central Kashmir may receive 2-4 inches during tonight and till Feb 01 early morning.
“On 2nd February, weather will remain mostly dry with the possibility of very light snow at isolated higher reaches. There is a possibility of light to moderate rain/Snow at many places of J&K on 3rd February,” he said.
As per MeT department officials, light to moderate snowfall was recorded at Ski resort Gulmarg, Zojila, Minamarg, Drass, Gurez, Tulail, Peer Ki Gali, Keran and Machil sectors of Kupwara and Sonamarg.
Several parts of Jammu also witnessed, including Banihal, Peer Ki Gali, Bhaderwah and Kistawar also witnessed light snowfall till late Wednesday evening,” he said.
The MeT has also issued an advisory stating that due to intermittent light to moderate snow since past 3 days over higher reaches, significant snow accumulated over higher reaches of North and North-western parts of Kashmir Division which lead to temporary closure of roads of higher reaches and important passes. Travellers are advised to plan accordingly, it said.
Meanwhile authorities have issued an avalanche warning in the higher reaches of six districts of Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours.
Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Wednesday said a “low danger” level avalanche is likely to occur at 2800 and 3500 metres above sea level in the higher reaches of Doda district in Jammu division and Ganderbal in Kashmir in the next 24 hours.
A spokesman said that an avalanche with “medium danger” level is likely to occur above 2400 metres over Poonch in Jammu division and Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara districts of Kashmir valley during the next 24 hours.
“People living in these areas have been advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas till further orders. Upper reaches of these districts received light to moderate snowfall,” he said.
The traffic movement on Srinagar-Jammu highway remained normal on Wednesday and vehicles were allowed from both sides to move to respective destinations. While both Srinagar-Leh road and Mughal road have been closed due to snow accumulation.
SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Paul Singh told Rising Kashmir that the Srinagar Leh Road has been temporarily closed for traffic due to heavy snowfall, especially at Zojila Stretch.
When asked if Zojila Road will remain closed, he mentioned that the decision will be taken in the next few days.
He said following the fresh snowfall along Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road and Mughal Road, no traffic will be allowed on these highways on Thursday. Mughal road still blocked & Traffic could not be released on SSG road due to slippery conditions,” SSP said .
A traffic police spokesman said that subject to fair weather and better road conditions on Friday, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs/Load Carriers shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, he said.