Manali, Kufri, Narkanda witness light snowfall

The state has received light snowfall in higher reaches of several districts and light rainfall at most places across the state since Wednesday night. Tourist destinations like Manali, Kufri and Narkanda also received light snowfall on Thursday morning and later in the day. Shimla also received traces of snowfall in the morning and light rainfall during the day.

As per the officials of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), 300 roads are blocked for traffic across the state and around 90 power Distribution Transformers have been disrupted.

The early morning snowfall disrupted National Highway 05 at Narkanda and the traffic was diverted on to the alternate route of Sainj-Luhri-Shimla. The Kufri-Fagu stretch got slippery following the snowfall. As per the weather department, there’s a possibility of light rain at isolated places over high hills and adjoining mid hills from January 17 to 20. There’s a forecast for light to moderate snowfall on January 21-22.

Meanwhile, maximum temperatures are likely to fall by 5-6 degree Celsius during the next 24 hours. Thereafter, maximum temperatures are likely to rise gradually by 3-4 degree Celsius in low hills/plains and mid hills. No large change is likely in maximum temperatures in high hills during the next four-five days. Minimum temperatures are likely to fall gradually by 2-4 degree Celsius over many parts of the state for next 3-4 days. The department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog at isolated places in low hills/plain areas during early morning, morning and late night hours from January 17 to 19. Also, cold wave is likely sweep isolated places on January 17-18.