After affecting parts of North Pakistan by causing widespread snow and rainfall in the region, a fresh Western Disturbance has already started affecting the three hilly states of India including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The lower as well as higher reaches of Jammu & Kashmir along with parts of Himachal Pradesh have already received fresh snowfall. The system will continue to give snow and rain to the aforementioned states. Uttarakhand is also likely to get affected by a similar situation. Some parts of the three states may receive very heavy snowfall along with rain today and tomorrow.
The Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed leaving many vehicles stranded on the road. The highway will remain closed till the weather clears up in the area. About 50 stranded vehicles were cleared from the highway. Also, a few flights at the Srinagar Airport were cancelled.
Parts of Jammu & Kashmir received heavy snow including Banihal where 18.7 mm rain & snow was recorded, Gulmarg received 28.6 mm, Kupwara (22.4mm), Pahalgam (10 mm) and Srinagar (11.5 mm). Some parts of Himachal Pradesh including Manali (12 mm), Shimla and Chamba also received snow.
An advisory has been issued by the traffic police in Jammu & Kashmir asking the passengers to avoid starting their journey on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway without enquiring about the weather and road status through traffic control rooms.
Meanwhile, some high altitude districts of Uttarakhand have been put on high alert due to the possibility of an avalanche in areas, which are located above 2,500 meters. The alert was issued after communication with the Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment in Chandigarh. The residents of the area have been advised to avoid venturing out during this period of high alert.
