Snowfall hits higher reaches, rain continues in plains for Day 2

Srinagar, Feb 20: Light to moderate snowfall was recorded in upper reaches and plains witnessed moderate rains on Thursday. The MeT department has forecast improvement in prevailing weather conditions during the next 24 hours in the Himalayan region, officials said.
Following inclement weather, Srinagar-Leh highway, Karnah, Machil and Mughal roads have been closed due to the accumulation of snowfall, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides.
Director MeT Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that as forecasted rains, lash plains and moderate snowfall was recorded in higher reaches for the 2nd day.
“We are expecting improvement in weather from 21st February. From 26th to 28th February, there is a possibility of light rain, light snow (higher reaches) at isolated places in the region,” he said.
He said plains of Jammu also received light to moderate rainfall along with gusty winds at few places.
“Till late Thursday, isolated higher reaches of Chenab Valley & South Kashmir may receive moderate to heavy snowfall (7-12 inches) while higher reaches of North & Central Kashmir may receive light snowfall (3-6 inches),” Dr Mukhtar said.
Meanwhile as per MeT, snowfall measurements across different locations in Kashmir. Gulmarg recorded 4 inches of snow, while Sinthan Top received 2-3 inches, and Razdan Top saw 8-10 inches.
Peer Ki Gali experienced 2-3 inches of snow, and Z Gali recorded 8 inches. Baltal Pahalgam reported 4 inches, with Sonamarg receiving 3-4 inches of snowfall.
Meanwhile, the upper reaches of Bandipora, including border areas of Gurez, Tulail and Kanzalwan were also covered under a white sheet of snow as snowfall continued in the region.
While rains began in parts of the Valley Wednesday evening, however, its intensity increased, especially in the north and central Kashmir, and continued till Wednesday evening.
Following the inclement weather, a massive dip was witnessed in day and night temperatures in the valley.
As per MeT data, Srinagar received 5.6 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours while Qazigund received 4.8 mm of rainfall, Pahalgam 6.2 mm of rainfall, Jammu 25.6 mm of rainfall, Kokernag 11.2 mm of rainfall, Gulmarg 7.3 mm of rainfall.
The widespread rains also brought much-needed relief from the prolonged dry spell that had raised concerns over water shortages and agricultural productivity.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall disrupted traffic along Srinagar-Jammu highway at Banihal. Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded for hours from both sides.
A traffic police spokesman said that traffic movement has been suspended on both ends of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to slippery road conditions between Banihal and Ramsoo following heavy snowfall on Thursday.
“We urge commuters to avoid traveling on the highway until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared for safe passage,” he said.
The spokesman said that subject to fair weather and improved road conditions, light motor vehicles (LMVs), passenger and private cars, as well as heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) will be allowed to ply from both directions on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) on Friday.
He said Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road is currently closed due to continuous snowfall. Similarly, the Mughal Road, connecting Poonch and Shopian, Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244) remains closed for vehicular movement.