Srinagar, Jan 23: Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall on Friday, including the season’s first snowfall in Srinagar city, disrupting normal life, forcing the closure of the Srinagar–Jammu national highway and leading to the cancellation of over 20 flights, officials said.
Light to moderate snowfall was recorded across the plains of Kashmir, while the upper reaches received moderate to heavy snow. Uptown areas of Srinagar reported about two inches of snowfall, whereas three to four inches accumulated around the Srinagar airport, officials said.
Popular tourist destinations witnessed significant snowfall, with Gulmarg recording over two feet, Sonamarg over six inches, and Pahalgam around three inches. Moderate to heavy snowfall was also reported from Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopian, Pulwama and Bandipora, while Anantnag and Kulgam received light to moderate snow.
Snow accumulation at the airport disrupted flight operations as the runway became unavailable. Airport authorities said over 20 flights have been cancelled so far, adding that runway clearance would take at least four hours after snowfall stops.
The Srinagar–Jammu national highway was closed due to snowfall and rain at several locations. The Mughal Road, an alternate route connecting Kashmir with Jammu, and the Srinagar–Leh national highway were also shut owing to heavy snowfall in the Sonamarg and Zojila axis, traffic officials said.
Meanwhile, district administrations and police have established control rooms and helplines to assist residents. Snow clearance operations are underway with men and machinery deployed on priority routes.
The Meteorological Department said the weather system is likely to continue till Friday evening, with chances of heavy rain or snowfall, gusty winds or hailstorms over parts of the Pir Panjal range, Chenab valley and south Kashmir. High-speed winds uprooted trees, electric poles and rooftops in some areas, snapping power lines and causing outages, restoration of which is underway. (Agencies)
