Valley braces for another snow spell

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 10

The Kashmir valley is bracing for another spell of snow over the weekend with the weatherman predicting that wet conditions may stretch into next week.

The Valley received its first snow of the winter season on November 3, which was followed by another spell on January 4 and 5 leading to disruption of both air and road traffic services in the region.

“Light to moderate snow is expected from Thursday in the plains of Kashmir andthere is a forecast of moderate snow in the higher reaches,” said Director, Meteorology, Srinagar, Sonam Lotus. He said the fresh disturbance is expected to increase gradually in intensity and distribution at most places of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions of the state, especially in Kargil district.

Lotus said the main activity was expected on Janury 11 and 12. He said the higher reaches of Kashmir and Pir Panjal range were likely to receive heavy snow during this period.

“The wet conditions are likely to extend up to January 13,” he said, adding that there was no need to worry.

“January is a month when snow is expected in the region,” he added.

However, keeping in view the experience of last week when heavy snowfall disrupted power and traffic in Kashmir, the authorities are geared up with men and machinery this time.

“We have kept our machinery on relay mode. The priority will be to keep the major highways open if it snows,” said an official from the mechanical engineering department in Baramulla, which witnessed heavy snow on January 4 and 5.