Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 16: Several upper reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while plains witnessed rainfall for the second consecutive day on Monday, leading to slippery road conditions and temporary suspension of traffic on some key routes, officials said.
According to reports, fresh snowfall was reported from multiple high-altitude areas across North and Central Kashmir, including Gurez Valley and other upper reaches of Bandipora district, Gulmarg in Baramulla, Kupwara, Handwara, and Pahalgam in South Kashmir, officials said.
Snowfall was also recorded at mountain passes and tourist destinations, affecting road connectivity and movement in several areas.
The plains of the Valley, including Srinagar city, experienced intermittent rainfall during the day, bringing down temperatures and adding to the chill in the region.
Officials said snowfall in the upper reaches of Bandipora, Gurez, Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla and Pahalgam led to slippery conditions on several roads, while higher passes witnessed fresh accumulation of snow.
Due to the fresh snowfall and slippery road conditions, authorities suspended vehicular movement on some key routes, including the Bandipora–Gurez road and the Mughal Road, which connects Kashmir with the Pir Panjal region.
Traffic on the Srinagar–Kargil highway was also affected after snowfall at the Zojila Pass made the road unsafe for travel, officials said.
They said road clearance operations are being carried out by the Border Roads Organisation and other agencies wherever required.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said the weather conditions are expected to remain erratic for the next few days.
According to the MeT forecast, intermittent light to moderate rain in plains and snowfall in higher reaches is likely at several places across Jammu and Kashmir till March 20.
On March 17, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy with the possibility of brief spells of light rain or snowfall at isolated higher-altitude locations, officials said.
Between March 18 and 20, the region may witness generally cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate rain or snowfall at many places, mainly during night and morning hours.
The MeT department has advised travellers and transporters to plan their journeys carefully, particularly while moving through high-altitude areas and mountain passes.
Farmers have also been advised to suspend farm operations till March 20 in view of the expected adverse weather conditions, officials added.
