Higher reaches receive fresh snowfall, while rains lash plains

Higher reaches receive fresh snowfall, while rains lash plains

Srinagar, March 14 (KS) : The higher reaches in the Kashmir valley experienced fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed with rain on Wednesday night.

An official at the meteorological department told News Agency Kashmir Scroll the prevailing weather conditions are expected to improve today.

Based on the data provided by the MeT department, Doodhpathri received 2-4 inches of fresh snowfall, Gulmarg received 5-7 inches, Sonamarg received 2-3 inches, Peer Ki Gali along Mughal Road received 2 inches, Sadna Top received 2-3 inches, Machil Sector received 2-5 inches, Lolab received 2 inches, Achoora Gurez received 5 inches, and Tangmarg received 2-3 inches. Higher reaches in Bandipora and Kupwara also witnessed light snowfall until late evening. Karnah and Machil sectors also experienced light snowfall.

Meanwhile, intermittent rains were recorded in the plains. Srinagar received 1.4 millimeters of rainfall between 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on Sunday. Qazigund received 0.6 mm, Pahalgam received 3.3 mm, and Kupwara recorded 4.4 mm of rainfall.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, the Director of MeT Srinagar, confirmed to News Agency Kashmir Scroll that the plains in Kashmir experienced light to moderate rains, while the upper reaches received snowfall until late night on Wednesday.

Some areas also witnessed thunder/lightning accompanied by gusty winds over the plains of Kashmir and Jammu Division, with wind speeds of 30-40 KMPH.

“From January 14th to 18th, the weather is expected to remain mostly dry and clear. There is no forecast of any major spell during this period. There will be a rise in the minimum temperature and an increase in the day temperature,” stated Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been blocked at various points between Ramban and Banihal due to mudslides and shooting stones.

A traffic official advised people to avoid traveling on NH-44 until the weather improves and the road is clear. They were also instructed to contact the Traffic Control Unit (TCU) for the latest updates.

To seek assistance before starting their journey, people can contact the following numbers: Jammu – 0191-2459048, 0191-2740550, 9419147732, 103; Srinagar – 0194-2450022, 2485396, 18001807091, 103; Ramban – 9419993745, 1800-180-7043; and Udhampur – 8491928625.

However, the Sonamarg-Leh highway and Mughal road remained closed for the 17th consecutive day due to heavy snowfall along the route.

Efforts are currently underway to clear the snow and restore the functioning of these two roadways. (KS)