• MeT predicts more rains during next 24 hours in region
• Dense fog hits flight ops at Srinagar airport
• Mughal road closed, Gurez roads closed
Srinagar, Nov 11: Higher reaches of Kashmir, including Gulmarg and Sonamarg, experienced light snowfall, while rain affected the plains on Monday, following a dip in temperatures. The meteorological department has forecast mainly dry weather for the next 24 hours.
Director of MeT Srinagar, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, told Rising Kashmir that Western disturbances caused the light snowfall in the higher reaches, including Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and other areas. He said places like Sadhna Top and Razdan Pass received around 3-5 inches of snow.
“Currently, snow is falling in a few upper reaches, and we expect dry weather from 12-14 November. A slight chance of light snow and rain exists between 15-16 November,” Dr. Mukhtar said. He advised farmers to take precautions and ensure the safe storage of harvested crops.
The adverse weather, including thick fog and haze, caused flight disruptions, with two morning flights being cancelled on Monday.
The weather led to delays and cancellations at airports in Delhi, Srinagar, and Jammu, leaving passengers stranded. A senior official confirmed that smog-like conditions had affected air traffic since Sunday evening.
Snowfall led to the closure of Mughal Road and Gurez-Bandipora Road for all traffic. The Gurez area received around 3 inches of snow, with more expected.
Traffic officials reported slow movement on NH-44 due to vehicle breakdowns on 10-11 November. However, subject to fair weather, light motor vehicles (LMVs) and heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed on Jammu-Srinagar NHW from 12 November.
Vehicular movement will also be allowed on the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road from 0900 hrs to 1500 hrs, depending on weather conditions. On Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road, vehicles will be allowed between 0600 hrs and 1900 hrs, after road conditions are cleared.
“Subject to fair weather and road conditions, vehicular movement on Mughal Road will be permitted from 0700 hrs to 1700 hrs,” the traffic department spokesperson added.
