Kashmir upper reaches receive fresh snowfall, rains lash plains

Srinagar, May 4: Fresh snowfall in upper reaches, coupled with rain and gusty winds in the plains led to temperatures plummeting across Kashmir on Monday and disrupted traffic on several key routes.
According to the details available, upper reaches including Gurez, Gulmarg and Sonamarg received light to moderate snowfall, leading to fall in temperatures.
The Gurez-Bandipora Road was closed due to accumulation of snow, while the Mughal Road was shut after fresh snowfall at Peer Ki Gali, leaving around 200 vehicles stranded at different locations.
Officials said stranded passengers, including women, children and some patients, have sought assistance, while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is mobilising men and machinery to clear the road and launch a rescue operation.
Meanwhile, BRO rescued around 20 vehicles at Razdan Pass after fresh snowfall and moved them to safer locations, officials said.
Traffic authorities said the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road has also been closed due to fresh snowfall, while only one-way traffic is being allowed on the Srinagar-Leh highway between Sonamarg and Kargil, subject to weather conditions and clearance.
They added that the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road remains closed due to snow accumulation.
Intermittent rain lashed plains including Srinagar and other districts, while gusty winds were reported from Bandipora and adjoining areas of Sumbal and Hajin.
Meanwhile, a man was injured after a tree fell on him along the Sumbal-Bandipora road amid strong winds. He was shifted to a hospital in Sumbal for treatment, officials said.
According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 20.5 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 10.2 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg recorded a maximum of 11.0 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 2.0 degrees Celsius.
The MeT office said rainfall activity is expected to remain fairly widespread over the next 36 hours with intermittent breaks.
“Generally cloudy conditions with spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at most places on May 3 and 4, with possibility of thunder, hailstorm and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph at a few locations,” an official said.
An advisory has been issued warning of thunder, lightning and gusty winds, with people asked to avoid travel on vulnerable routes and stay away from weak structures and power lines. Farmers have also been advised to suspend agricultural operations till May 5, officials added. (KNO)