Srinagar, Jan 23: The season’s first major snowfall disrupted normal life in Kashmir and disconnected the aerial and surface links of the Valley. The flights at Srinagar airport were cancelled and Srinagar-Jammu national highway closed for vehicular traffic.
The snowfall began yesterday evening in the upper reaches alongwith other areas of south, central and north Kashmir. Some parts of Srinagar also experienced light snowfall.
According to MeT official, Gulmarg recorded 45 cms snowfall, Shopian 55 cms, Sonamarg 15 cms, Pahalgam 17 cms, Kupwara 20 cms, Banihal 16 cms and Kulgam 15 cms.
Moderate to heavy snowfall was recorded in many areas in Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara Shopian, Pulwama, and Bandipora districts, while Anantnag and Kulgam districts received light to moderate snow.
Most parts of Srinagar were lashed by moderate to heavy rainfall.
The unusual snowfall was recorded in the Seemari–Teetwal belt of Karnah in Kupwara district.
The area rarely experiences snow even during peak winters due to generally warmer surroundings. This time, snow accumulation crossed 2 inches, making it the first such event after 2005.
Due to the heavy snowfall and accumulation of snow on the runway, the air traffic remained disrupted.
“In view of continuous snowfall, accumulation of snow on operational areas, and the prevailing forecast of adverse weather en route, all flight operations at Srinagar Airport stand were cancelled for the day in the interest of passenger safety,” an airport official said.
The Valley’s road connectivity with the rest of the country was also closed.
The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed for traffic due to heavy snow and rainfall.
The Mughal Road, connecting Kashmir with Poonch and Rajori districts, and Srinagar-Leh highway were also blocked due to snow accumulation.
The electricity supply in several areas remained disrupted due to heavy snowfall and gusty winds during the night.
High-speed winds swept many places in the valley, including Srinagar, last night, uprooting trees, electricity poles, and rooftops in few areas, while also snapping power lines
Most of the areas in the Valley were without electricity since yesterday evening.
The KPDCL pressed its men and machinery into service early in the morning to restore the power supply.
The power supply was restored to most areas of the Valley by the evening. However, some areas were still without electricity.
Meanwhile, MeT has forecast light rain and snow at isolated places in J&K on January 24-25.
It has also forecast light to moderate rain/snow at most places on January 26-27 with possibility of moderate to heavy snowfall, thunder, gusty winds at few places during 26 night to 27 Jan.
The MeT has also warned of the possibility of landslides at vulnerable places due to rain and snowfall.