Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Moderate to heavy snowfall continued across the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday as an active Western Disturbance affected the Union Territory, prompting the closure of the Srinagar-Leh highway, Mughal Road and Bandipora-Gurez road. Rainfall across the plains also led to a sharp drop in daytime temperatures, intensifying the winter chill.
Snowfall affected several mountainous areas, particularly the upper reaches of Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts, as well as the mountainous belts of south Kashmir, the Pir Panjal range and Chenab Valley.
Popular tourist destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Doodhpathri, received fresh snowfall. Higher reaches of Gulmarg, including Kongdoori and Apharwat, also witnessed fresh accumulation.
Several mountain passes and remote areas, including Razdan Pass, Zojila, Peer Ki Gali, Sadhna Top, Farkin Top, Gurez, Tulail and Machil, were covered by fresh snow. Razdan Pass recorded around six inches of snowfall.
In view of the fresh accumulation and slippery road conditions, authorities suspended vehicular movement on three major routes connecting remote and high-altitude areas.
The Srinagar-Leh highway was closed following snowfall around Zojila Pass, while traffic on the Mughal Road was suspended due to snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali. The Bandipora-Gurez road was also closed after heavy snowfall at Razdan Pass.
The Border Roads Organisation’s 56 RCC has launched snow-clearance operations at Razdan Pass to restore connectivity on the Bandipora-Gurez road.
Meanwhile, a landslide accompanied by falling debris and boulders at Rajanwani disrupted traffic on the Uri-Baramulla National Highway, leaving commuters stranded. Road clearance operations were initiated to restore vehicular movement.
The plains of Kashmir, including Srinagar and parts of north and central Kashmir, experienced intermittent rainfall, bringing down temperatures. The Meteorological Department has forecast a decline of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing wet spell.
In the Jammu region, Poonch and adjoining areas were likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall, while other areas could experience light to moderate precipitation. Isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds were also forecast.
The weather system is expected to gradually weaken by Saturday, November 14. The MeT Department has forecast brief spells of light rain or snowfall at isolated places on November 14 and 15, followed by generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir from November 16 to 20.
Authorities have advised commuters, transporters and tourists to avoid travelling on affected mountain roads until further notice and follow official traffic advisories.
