Srinagar, Oct 14: The Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an “orange” alert while predicting heavy rain in plains and snowfall in higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, over the next two to three days.
This is the first intense western disturbance of the season and will influence northwest and central India till October 17 in the Himalayan region, officials said.
Director MeT, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that there is possibility of rain in plains and Snowfall (over higher reaches) very likely in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Between October 15-17 there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rains and snowfall over higher reaches. The main activity of this spell will be on October 16,” he said.
Lotus said during the period heavy snowfall at some places over higher reaches cannot be ruled out. In the coming days there will be a decrease in day and night temperatures, he said.
The MeT officials have issued an advisory stating that people should postpone harvesting of crops from October 14-18.
“There may be temporary disruption in transportation especially at vulnerable places like Zojila, Mugal Road, Sinthan Top, Sadnatop etc,” he said.
On Saturday, fresh snowfall was experienced over the higher reaches of Kashmir valley, while the plains received a substantial amount of rainfall.
Lotus said higher reaches including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Bandipora, Kupwara, and Shopian experienced light snowfall, while rains continued in the plains.
Rains, snowfall triggered a notable decrease in maximum temperatures. In Gurez Valley, including Razdan Pass, the higher elevations are covered in a fresh layer of snow, contrasting with the heavy rain experienced in the plains.
The continuous precipitation, a mix of rain and snow, led to the closure of the Bandipora-Gurez road. Similarly, Sinthan Top and Margan Roads have been shut down for traffic due to the snowy and rainy conditions in the area.
As a result of the weather, there has been a significant drop in the maximum temperature across various parts of the Kashmir Valley. The Meteorological Department in Kashmir predicted further rain and snow in the higher reaches, especially on Friday night, in scattered locations across Jammu and Kashmir.
Similarly traffic movement has been suspended on Sinthan-Kishtwar and Margan Roads due to unfavorable weather conditions.
SDM Kokernag in an order suspended the movement of traffic on the Sinthan-Kishtwar road.
“In view of the changing weather conditions and due to continuous snowfall at Sinthan Top, it is hereby ordered that Sinthan-Kishtwar and Margan Roads are closed for Traffic Movements till weather improves and snow is cleared (Sic),” read an order issued by SDM Kokernag.
Meanwhile, a traffic police spokesman said subject to fair weather and better road conditions on Friday, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars/HMVs/Load Carriers shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, he said.
On Sonamarg-Leh road, vehicular movement shall be allowed from both sides viz Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa. LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Minamarg towards Srinagar at 0730 hrs. to 1100 hrs.
LMVs followed by HMVs shall be allowed from Sonamarg towards Kargil at 1300 hrs to 1700 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timings, the spokesman said.
He said SFs Convoy, plying from Srinagar to Kargil, shall leave Srinagar at 0800 hrs. SFs Convoy plying from Drass to Srinagar shall plan their movement in such a manner so that Civil Traffic doesn’t get disturbed.
On Mughal Road, vehicular movement on Mughal Road shall be allowed from both sides viz. Poonch towards Shopian and vice versa. These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) and Herpora (Shopian) at 0600 hrs. upto 1800 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timings, he said.
