Srinagar, Feb 23: The Meteorological Department on Friday forecasted more rain in plains and light snowfall in upper reaches of Kashmir from February 27 onwards till March 2nd.The authorities have also issued an avalanche warning in ten districts of J&K, officials said.
Director MeT Kashmir, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that weather will generally dry and clear till 26 Feb and after that there are chances of moderate snowfall on upper reaches of valley and rains in plains from February 27.
He said active western disturbances are expected to hit Kashmir on the night of Feb 27 till March 3.
Briefing about the details, Dr Mukhtar said there is no significant weather activity till February 26. However, after that from February 27th-28th, there is a possibility of Light to moderate Rain/Snow at many places till March 3.
“From March 1-3, there is a possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall at higher reaches and rains in plains at most places,” he said.
“Both travellers and tourists are advised to follow admin/Traffic police advisory. General public over hilly areas are advised not to venture in landslide areas. There will be chances of Landslides/Mudslides and shooting stones at many places along the highway,” he said.
Meanwhile, two way traffic was restored on the strategic Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Friday although the movement was slow due to single lane traffic.
An official of the traffic department said that traffic was moving on the national highway, but with a slow movement in the Ramsoo due to single lane and poor surface.
“Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline as there is single lane traffic at Dalwas, Cafeteria-Mehad, Gangroo and poor surface condition of road at many places between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel.”
Traffic was restored on Thursday only for stranded vehicles after three days.
The Srinagar-Leh highway, Mughal Road, Kupwara-Tangdhar road and Sinthan-Kishtwar road are still snowbound and closed.
Spokesman traffic police department said subject to clear weather, there will be two way traffic on Srinagar Jammu highway on Saturday.
The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) on Friday again issued a fresh avalanche warning for ten districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
A JKDMA Spokesman said that an avalanche with low danger Level is likely to occur above 2200 metres over Anantnag & Kulgam districts in next 24 hours.
“Avalanche with medium danger Level is likely to occur above 2400 metres over Bandipora & Baramulla districts in next 24 hours. Further, Avalanche with high danger Level is likely to occur above 2000 metres over Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban, Kupwara & Ganderbal districts in next 24 hours,” he said.
The spokesman said that people living in these areas are advised to take precautions and avoid venturing in the avalanche prone areas.
