Snowfall in parts of J&K: MeT predicts more snow, rain; improvement from tomorrow

SRINAGAR, JAN 30 – The MeT department on Monday said “moderate to heavy” snowfall will continue in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and are expecting gradual decrease in the western disturbance intensity from late evening/night.

A Met Official said that snow is likely to continue till late evening and expect gradual decrease in snowfall intensity from late evening/night. Overall improvement from tomorrow, 31st Jan onwards till next western disturbance, he said.

Today, “Widespread moderate snow with heavy snowfall to continue at scattered places on Zojila- Drass- Kargil- Zanskar and higher reaches of Leh district.(>75% 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚), light snow at isolated places of Kargil district,” he said adding, that light to moderate snowfall will also continue at most places and heavy snowfall in Pripanjal including Gulmarg, Banihal top, South Kashmir etc.

Reports said that Srinagar has accumulated five inches of Snow, 12 inches of snow has accumulated at Hafthrada, Panzgam and adjoining areas of Kupwara district. While in the plains snow accumulation is 2-3 inches. Higher reaches of Kupwara have recorded 2 feet of snow.

Nearly 1.5 feet of fresh snow has accumulated in Gurez. The machil sector has recorded 2 feet of snow. 6 inches of snow has accumulated at Sankoo kargil.

Sadna top 2 feet, Higher reaches of Karnah has accumulated more than 1.5 feet of snow.

While issuing the advisories the MeT said people are advised ‘not’ to venture out in Avalanche prone areas, unless emergency during next 2 days as there’s already lots of snowfall over higher reaches and possibility of avalanches has increased.

“Intending passengers are advised to travel after confirmation of road status from concerned Traffic Police,” the Met added.

Due to fresh snowfall in Kashmir and parts of Jammu, Srinagar-Jammu national highway has been closed, while all flights have also been delayed at the Srinagar International Airport and train service from Banihal to Baramulla was also suspended.

The University of Kashmir and Central University have suspended all exams scheduled in view of heavy snowfall in Kashmir valley.