Srinagar, Nov 11: Light snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Kashmir, and Ladakh while light rain lashed some plains on Wednesday as the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecast more widespread precipitation over Jammu and Kashmir during the next two days.
A MeT official said light snowfall was reported in Bandipora, Sonamarg, Kangdori in Gulmarg, Gumri, Minamarg and Drass.
Officials said the Mughal Road, which connects south Kashmir with Rajouri and Poonch districts, was closed for vehicular movement following light rain and snowfall in the Peer Ki Gali area.
Commuters have been advised to avoid travelling on the route until further clearance and remain in touch with traffic control rooms for updates.
Gurez Valley in north Kashmir also received fresh snowfall, covering parts of the area in a white blanket, as the district administration had already advised tourists against visiting the valley in view of the impending weather conditions.
The MeT has forecast light to moderate rain in plains and light to moderate snowfall in higher reaches at many places on November 12 and 13, with moderate to heavy snowfall likely over higher reaches of Kupwara and Bandipora.
The MeT has also forecast a significant fall of 6-8 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures during November 12 and 13. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are possible at a few places during the period
Director Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, said an initial Western Disturbance was bringing light precipitation over isolated higher reaches, while the main weather activity was expected to begin in the early hours of November 12 and continue till the morning of November 14.
"This is a significant weather system. While rainfall will dominate in the plains, we expect moderate snowfall across tourist places, marking the season's first snowfall in Doodhpathri, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg," he said.
He said higher reaches and mountain passes, including Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Zojila, Razdan Pass, Sadhna Top and Margan Pass, were likely to receive heavy snowfall, with accumulations of one to two feet possible at some locations.
The MeT has indicated a 50 per cent possibility of light snowfall or mixed precipitation over the plains of Shopian, Kulgam, Kupwara, Bandipora and adjoining areas.
In view of the forecast and the possibility of road closures and disruption of connectivity in far-flung areas, the Bandipora district administration has issued a weather advisory for tourists, travellers, examination aspirants and the general public.
The administration has temporarily declared the Gurez out of bounds for tourists and advised those currently staying there to plan their departure immediately in consultation with the District Control Room.