Fresh Snowfall and Widespread Rains Hit Jammu and Kashmir; Road Closures and Disruptions Follow -In the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, including key areas like Razdan Pass, Pir Ki Gali, Zojila Pass, Sinthan Top, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Doodpathri, Kulgam, and Machil, fresh snowfall has been reported. Simultaneously, the plains witnessed extensive rainfall, leading to the closure of several roads.
According to an official source cited by KNO, key roadways such as Razdan Pass, Zojila Pass, Kishtwar-Anantnag road, Mughal road connecting Shopian district with Rajouri and Poonch, Phirkiyan Gali, Machil in Kupwara, and Srinagar-Sonamarg road have been closed due to snowfall. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway also faced temporary closures after mudslides and shooting stones near the Mehar area of Ramban district.
Quoting by KNO,Although the highway has been partially restored, slow movement is advised at Dalwas and Mehad due to mud and sleet. Efforts are underway to fully open the highway.
The Meteorological Department in Srinagar predicts further rain in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches over the next 24 hours, with a gradual decrease in precipitation expected from late Friday evening.
While widespread rains have disrupted normal life in Srinagar and surrounding areas, causing a drop in temperature, the MeT official anticipates dry and warm days from November 11 to 17.
Temperature recordings on Friday indicate Srinagar at 6.3 degrees Celsius with 17.5mm of rainfall, Qazigund at 5.0 degrees Celsius with 12.0mm of rainfall, Pahalgam at 4.7 degrees Celsius with 6.4mm of rainfall, Kupwara at 4.2 degrees Celsius with 29.8mm of rainfall, Kokernag at 6.2 degrees Celsius with 5.8mm of rainfall, and Gulmarg recording a low of -1.5 degrees Celsius with 22.2mm of rainfall.
In response to the forecast, the Kupwara administration issued an advisory cautioning residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, to avoid travel until weather conditions improve due to the expected rain or snowfall on November 9th and 10th, 2023.