Snowfall has lashed most parts of the valley, including Srinagar city, blocking the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and canceling more than 20 flights. The Meteorological Department has warned of the risk of avalanches and landslides in the mountainous areas due to heavy rain and snowfall. Passengers have been advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
The plains of Kashmir received light to moderate snowfall, while the upper parts of the valley and the higher elevations received moderate to heavy snowfall, officials said. He reported that the upper reaches of the city received about two inches of snow, while areas around Srinagar Airport received three to four inches of snow.
Gulmarg, a popular skiing resort in north Kashmir, received more than two feet of snow, while Sonamarg tourist resort in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district received more than six inches of snow and Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir's Anantnag district received nearly three inches of snow, officials said.
Many areas in Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopia, Pulwama and Bandipora districts recorded heavy snowfall, while Anantnag and Kulgam districts received moderate snowfall, officials said.
More than 20 flights were canceled due to bad weather
Officials said the snowfall was continuing till the last report. He also reported that some other areas including central Srinagar received rain. Airport officials said flight operations were disrupted due to snow accumulation at Srinagar airport due to non-availability of runways.
Airport officials said that so far more than 20 flights have been canceled due to bad weather. The runway is currently unavailable and will take at least four hours to reopen after the snowfall stops.”
Jammu-Srinagar highway also closed
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was also closed for traffic due to snowfall and rain at many areas on the highway, traffic department officials said. He said Mughal Road, another road connecting the Valley to Jammu region, was also closed, while Srinagar-Leh National Highway was also closed for traffic due to snowfall in Sonmarg and Zojila axis.
Officials said that district officials and police have set up control rooms and helplines in various areas to help people. He said officials have deployed personnel and machinery to clear snow from essential roads.
Power outages in many areas of the valley
The Meteorological Department has predicted that the current weather pattern will continue till this evening. Heavy rain or snowfall with strong winds and hail is likely in Pir Panjal Range, Chenab Valley and some districts of South Kashmir, the Meteorological Department said.
Officials said that strong winds lashed many parts of the valley, including Srinagar, last night, uprooting trees, power poles, roofs and power lines in some areas. He said that electricity was cut in many areas of the Valley, which was being mechanized.
