Snowfall blocks roads in Kashmir Valley
Srinagar, February 18
Weather warnings after snowfall have been issued for parts of Kashmir and the Jammu region as forecasters predict widespread light to moderate rain and snow till February 20. The higher regions of Kashmir, including the tourist destinations of Gulmarg and Sonamarg, witnessed snowfall today, while the plains below received rainfall, leading to a significant drop in temperature. Following the snowfall in higher reaches, the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority issued avalanche warnings for various districts, urging residents to exercise caution, particularly in high-risk areas.
The snowfall led to the closure of a crucial road link to the Ladakh region. Zojila Pass, connecting Kashmir and Ladakh, was closed due to heavy snowfall, marking a significant disruption in winter travel. Due to the prolonged dry spell this winter, the road to Ladakh remained open throughout except for days of the earlier snowfall.
According to reports, heavy snowfall was reported at Peer ki Gali in Shopian leading to the closure of the Mughal road, connecting Kashmir valley with Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu.
In north Kashmir, the road to Gurez from Bandipora was also closed following heavy snowfall. The roads in north Kashmir’s Kupwara, connecting Keran and Machil areas along LoC, were also affected by the snow.
Over the next five days, temperatures are expected to remain chilly, with minimum temperatures hovering around one degree Celsius and maximums ranging from 5° to 8° Celsius. The Meteorological Office said that under the influence of an active Western Disturbance, widespread light to moderate rain and snow is expected in Jammu and Kashmir from the night of February 18 till the afternoon of February 20.
