Srinagar, Dec 28: Kashmir’s plains and higher reaches experienced moderate to heavy snowfall for the second consecutive day on Saturday, leading to disruptions in surface and aerial connectivity, cutting off the region from the rest of the country.
The inclement weather prompted the closure of the 270-kilometer Srinagar-Jammu highway, while all flights at Srinagar International Airport were cancelled, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Srinagar city received its season’s second snowfall, while the upper reaches of the valley saw significant accumulations over the past 48 hours, bringing much-needed relief after a dry spell.
Higher reaches including Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Dodhpatri, and tourist spots experienced heavy snowfall till late Saturday evening.
Director Meteorological Department, Mukhtar Ahmad said they had predicted earlier widespread snowfall in the valley and most parts of Kashmir received light to moderate snowfall while heavy snowfall in higher reaches.
On Sunday, there is a possibility of intermittent light rain, snowfall at few places, and gradual improvement thereafter. There will be no significant weather activity till 31st December. Fresh WD is likely to affect J&K and adjoining areas from 1-3rd January, he added.
Dr Mukhtar said that from 3-6th January, weather will remain generally cloudy with light to moderate snow at many places of Kashmir Division & scattered places of Jammu division.
“In view of snowfall, sub-freezing temperatures and icy conditions over roads (Plains/higher reaches), Tourists, travellers, transporters are advised to follow admin traffic advisory,” he said.
In the Jammu division, Dr. Mukhtar said that there will be a significant improvement in weather from Sunday afternoon and mainly dry weather is expected till Dec end,” he said.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for snowfall and cold waves in the state for December 27 and 28.
The weather agency has advised residents and travellers to remain cautious and take necessary precautions, especially in snow-affected regions, where road blockages and disruptions are expected.
South Kashmir and other regions of the Kashmir Valley witnessed a significant snowfall, with many areas recording substantial accumulations.
As per MeT data, Gulmarg received 3.1 feet of fresh snowfall over the past 24 hours, while Sonamarg saw an even higher accumulation of 3 feet. Dodhpatri recorded 2 feet of snowfall, and Sadna Top in Kupwara received 2.5 feet.
Z-Gali experienced 1.5-2 feet of snow, with snowfall continuing until late into the night. Plains in Kupwara and Baramulla saw 10-12 inches of snow, while Srinagar, Budgam, and Ganderbal recorded 5-12 inches. In South Kashmir, Ahrabal in Kulgam accumulated 1 feet, and Shopian received 2 feet, while Razdan Top and Tulail Gurez were buried under 5 feet and 4 feet of snow, respectively. Peer Ki Gali recorded over 2 feet of fresh snowfall.
Sinthan Top received 4 feet, followed by Margan Top, Baltal, Pahalgam, DK Marg, and Hirpora in Shopian, each with 3 feet. Daksum recorded 2.5 feet, while DH Pora in Kulgam 2.5 feet.
Qazigund accumulated 2 feet each, with Khudwani 1.7 feet, Main Town Anantnag 1.5 feet, and Achabal 1.8 feet. Bejbehara and Sallar received 1.5 feet each, while Pampore recorded 1 feet.
The fresh snowfall led to the suspension of traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu highway leaving hundreds of trucks stranded on both sides of the strategic road.
Meanwhile hundreds of trucks along with 270 Srinagar-Jammu highway, due to highly slippery road conditions. Authorities were desperately trying to clear the stranded vehicles, but the fury of snow did not allow the vehicles to move even at a snail’s pace.
In Jammu division, under the influence of the western disturbance, plains of Jammu received light to moderate rains whereas snowfall was witnessed in the higher reaches of the Chenab valley and Pir Panjal range.
Fresh snowfall was experienced in the areas of Patnitop, Gandoh, Kahara, Thathri, Bhaderwah Dessa and Marmar areas of Doda district. Snowfall was also received in Chilly, Jakyas, Bunjwah, Kither Patnazi and Changa surrounding the Gandoh area of the district. Jawahar tunnel in Ramban district and several higher reaches of the district including Gool and Sanasar also received snowfall.
A traffic police spokesman said that Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) is still blocked due to slippery conditions and fresh snowfall. Clearance work is going on, Man and machinery is on job. Commuters were advised to avoid journeys on NH-44 till the weather improves and the road is clear, he said.
However, Mughal Road, the alternate road link which connects the valley to PirPanjal through the Shopian-Rajouri axis, is still closed for traffic due to heavy snowfall from Saturday.
The spokesman said Srinagar-Leh highway, Kupwara-Karna, Machil Kupwara, Kiran-Kupwara, and Bandipora-Gurez roads have been closed for the traffic movement due to heavy snowfall during the past 24 hours.
The MeT department has also issued an orange alert which means people have been asked to maintain vigil in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The snowfall also resulted in the cancellation of all scheduled flights at Srinagar International Airport.
Director Srinagar International Airport, Javid Anjum told Rising Kashmir that following the accumulation of snowfall on the runway, all flights scheduled for Saturday were canceled. He said men and machinery were on the job to clear the runway.
“There was a huge rush of stranded passengers at the airport due to flight cancellations, however, airport officials said the flight operations would depend on runway visibility on Sunday,” he said.
In a post on X, Srinagar Airport Spokesman said that due to bad weather conditions, all flights at Srinagar Airport have been cancelled.
” Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for updates. We regret the inconvenience and appreciate your understanding,” he said.
Similarly, Chief Area Manager (CAM) Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf Yatoo (IRTS), said that there were initial delays due to prevailing weather conditions. However later in the day, all services between Baramulla and Srinagar, Banihal to Sangaldan were operated seamlessly without any deviations, he added.
“Mainly due to snowfall, train services were suspended in south Kashmir parts. Subject to weather conditions, all trains will be restored on Sunday,” he added.
