Srinagar, May 25: Light rain and hailstorm lashed at isolated parts of Kashmir, on Thursday, bringing the normal temperatures down.
According to MeT officials, Pahalgam, Tangdar, Kupwara, Handwara, Budgam, Uri, Baramulla, Gulmarg, Lolab, and neighbouring districts all recorded light rain and hailstorms.
Thunderstorms with moderate intensity hit the Qazigund, Kulgam, Jawahar tunnel, and Banihal axis. Hailstorms and strong winds were recorded in Srinagar, Ganderbal, portions of Pulwama, and adjoining areas.As per reports, hailstorm damaged apple, cherry, pear, walnut orchards, in parts of north Kashmir while late evening thundershowers continued to lash parts of the Valley.
Director MeT, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that a brief spell of light rain and along with thunderstorms at scattered places occurred in Kashmir on Sunday. Hailstorms were also reported in some parts of the valley, he said.
On May 26, there will be fairly Widespread to widespread intermittent light to moderate rain, Thunder/Lightning with possibility of hailstorm and gusty winds at few places,” he said.
Lotus said they are predictions of intermittent rain, thunder and lightning at a few places from May 27-28. Similarly, from May 29-30, there will be fairly widespread intermittent rain with possibility of hailstorm & gusty winds at few places. There is no forecast of any major rainfall for next one week in the region, he said.
The MeT department had issued an advisory that said that during lightning, people should stay indoors and avoid venturing near Local sloppy Nallahs as Thunder Shower often generate localised Flash Flood, Water logging etc
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has predicted significant improvement in prevailing weather conditions from Friday onward, officials said.
A traffic police department spokesman from May 24to May 25, Jammu Srinagar NHW remained blocked for fivehours.
On Friday, subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic, the spokesman said.
He said LMV’s shall be released from Nagrota (Jammu) from 0600 hrs. to 1100 hrs. From Jakheni (Udhampur) 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs and from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qzd. side) 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs.
“TCU Jammu and TCU Srinagar will inform all concerned about the traffic advisory and cut off timings. No vehicle shall be allowed to move before and after cut off timings,” the spokesman said, adding that it will be followed by release of HMV’s.
Similarly on Srinagar-Leh road, there will be no vehicular movement from either side in view of road maintenance on ZojiLa axis.
On Mughal Road, subject to fair weather and good road conditions, only one way traffic LMVs from Poonch towards Shopian shall be allowed on Mughal Road. These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) towards Shopian at 1000 hrs. upto 1400 hrs, the spokesman said.
