Jammu, Jan 23: The strategic Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and several other key roads were closed for traffic on Friday morning following fresh snowfall, while normal life in the plains of Jammu was disrupted by heavy rains.
Officials said that the major hilly areas of Jammu received the season’s first snowfall after a long dry spell. Gusty winds, reaching speeds of 84 km/h, lashed several parts of the region late Thursday evening, signaling the onset of a fresh weather disturbance across Jammu and Kashmir.
In the past 24 hours (ending 08:30 IST, January 23, 2026), snow accumulation was reported as follows: Gulmarg 46.0 cm, Kupwara 27.0 cm, Pahalgam 18.0 cm, Kukernag 17.0 cm, Qazi Gund 5.0 cm; and in Jammu division, Banihal 14.0 cm, Batote 6.5 cm, and Bhadarwah 5.5 cm.
Officials said fresh snowfall covered the Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Poonch belts, while light to moderate rains lashed several other areas, leaving many regions under a thick white blanket and disrupting daily life.
“Fresh snowfall covered the Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Poonch belts of the Jammu region while light to moderate rains lashed several other areas,” they added. They said that by this morning, several parts were seen covered under a white blanket of snow, disrupting normal life.
The inclement weather, accompanied by strong winds, also led to electricity supply disruptions in parts of Jammu, and air and road connectivity across the region remained adversely affected.
An advisory issued by the traffic department said that vehicular movement has been stopped in both directions on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway due to fresh snowfall in and around the Navyug Tunnel.
“In addition, the Mughal Road, SSG Road and Sinthan Road have also been closed owing to fresh snow accumulation,” read an advisory. It further said that people have been advised not to travel on the snow-bound roads until they are fully restored and declared safe for traffic.
Authorities have urged commuters not to pay heed to rumours and to verify road status through official Traffic Police channels, including the social media handles.
