Srinagar, Apr 17: The Meteorological Department on Thursday issued a warning for heavy rain, snowfall, and thunderstorms in the Pirpanjal Range of Jammu division and higher reaches of Kashmir division from Friday onwards till 19th April. The peak of the weather activity is expected on Saturday, officials said.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that active western disturbance will impact Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding areas starting on April 18, 2025.
“Under the influence of this system, widespread light to moderate rain and snow (at higher altitudes) are expected across J&K, with peak activity between the night of April 18 and late night on April 19, ” he said.
“The system is expected to cause heavy rain and snow (at higher reaches) in the Pirpanjal Range of Jammu Division and the middle and higher reaches of Kashmir Division, including areas like Anantnag-Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shupoain, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg-Zojila, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass.
Thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and strong winds (40-50 km/h gusting to 60-70 km/h) are also likely.
Dr Mukhtar further said that in view of the adverse weather could disrupt surface transport, including the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh National Highways, as well as other major roads in the middle and higher reaches of J&K.
“There is also a possibility of moderate to severe thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in many areas,” he said.
As per MeT advisory, the weather transition may trigger landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas. Farmers have been advised to suspend all farm operations from April 18 until the afternoon of April 21, 2025.
The weather change may also lead to a rise in water levels in rivers, local streams, and nallas, causing potential waterlogging in low-lying areas, it said.
A traffic police spokesman said that passenger vehicles are plying from both sides on Jammu Srinagar NHW. However, HMVs (Load carrier) plying from Jammu towards Srinagar.
“Traffic managed on regulated manner at Mehad, Cafeteria, Ramban on NH-44 due to single lane about 150-200 Mtrs. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline; overtaking, wrong lane driving will cause congestion. Be patient while Traffic plying from other side,” he said.
The spokesman said that passengers are advised to undertake journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW during day time and avoid unnecessary haltage between Ramban and Banihal as there is apprehension of landslide/shooting stones.
“Moreover, traffic will be allowed on SSG road, Mughal road, Sinthan road after getting green signal from road maintenance agencies as per advisory. However, Bhaderwah-Chamba road is still closed,” he said.
