Owais Gul
Srinagar, Mar 1: The intermittent light rains lashed plains of Kashmir while the higher reaches including Gurez and famous ski-resort Gulmarg experienced a fresh snowfall on Friday with the weatherman predicting heavy snowfall over higher reaches from tonight.
The local Meteorological department here has predicted a three-day wet spell from today, stating that the peak activity will be on March 01 night to March 02 night.
According to reports, several parts of Kashmir including Gurez, Gulmarg, Sadhna Top, Razdan Pass, Chowkibal Kupwara and Machil received fresh snowfall today.
However, the intermittent light rains lashed plains of Kashmir including the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar.
Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhar Ahmad said that widespread moderate rain and snow is expected over most places of J&K till 3rd March (afternoon) with peak activity on 1st night to 2nd night of March.
He said that a few places may experience heavy to very heavy snow particularly over higher reaches of north Kashmir, Central & South Kashmir & Pirpanjal range of Jammu division during 1st March night to 2nd March late night.
“Plains of Kashmir may receive moderate rain and snow while plains of Jammu may receive moderate rain with possibility of heavy Rain over Ramban, Udhampur & Reasi districts during 1st March to 2nd March late night,” he said.
A few places may experience thunder, lightning, hailstorm accompanied by gusty winds (30-40 KMPH) during 1st & 2nd March, he said, adding that no significant weather activity thereafter till 10th March is expected.
However, he said that there is a possibility of light rain and snow at scattered places during the night of 6th March to 7th March.
In this regard, the weatherman has issued an advisory, saying that in view of heavy to very heavy snowfall over few middle & higher reaches, the travelers, tourists are advised to plan accordingly & follow administration, traffic police advisory.
“General public over hilly areas are advised not to venture in avalanche prone areas & slopy areas. Follow avalanche warnings & advisories,” the advisory reads, adding that there are chances of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at few places.
The farmers are advised to suspend farm operations till 3rd March.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for vehicular movement today after the fresh wet spell triggered shooting stones in Kishtwar.
“The traffic movement has been stopped at present due to the shooting stones at Kishtwar Pather on Srinagar-Jammu highway,” the officials said and appealed people to avoid travelling on NH-44 till the weather improves and road is cleared.
