Srinagar, April 4: The upper reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall while plains including Srinagar heavy moderate to heavy rainfall on Saturday.
Officials said Sadhna Top and other upper reaches in Kupwara, Mughal Road in Shopian, Margan Top connecting Anantnag with Kishtwar, and Razdan Top, Gurez, and Tulail in Bandipora district, received fresh overnight snowfall.
The Affarwat mountain in Gulmarg tourist resort, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, and some other hilly areas of the valley also received snowfall.
The plains of Jammu and Kashmir including Srinagar received moderate to heavy rainfall since last night.
According to MeT data, Batote in Jammu region recorded the highest rainfall at 53.8 mm, followed by Baramulla in north Kashmir with 45.5 mm while ski resort of Gulmarg and Katra recorded 32.2 mm each during the last 24 hours.
Srinagar recorded 25.1 mm rainfall, while Qazigund received 18.8 mm and Kupwara 14.1 mm.
In the Jammu division, besides Batote and Katra, Bhaderwah recorded 26.8 mm rainfall, Jammu received 14.4 mm, Banihal 19.7 mm, and Udhampur 31.7 mm during the same period.
The widespread light to moderate rainfall occurred across the union Territory under the influence of an active western disturbance.
The snowfall and rains led to the closure of several important routes including Mughal Road, Sinthan Top and Bandipora-Gurez road.
The Srinagar-Leh national highway was shut for traffic due to accumulation of snow along the Zojila Pass.
According to a MeT official, there is a possibility of light rain at isolated places on Sunday and Monday.
“From April 7 to 8, fresh spells of light to moderate rain or snow in the higher reaches accompanied by thunder and gusty winds are possible at many places. The isolated parts of J&K could witness intense heavy rain on April 7-8,” he said.
The MeT has warned of potential risk of flashfloods and waterlogging.
“Brief spells of light rain or snow (higher reaches) are also possible at scattered places from April 9-11, it said. From April 12, the weather will remain mainly dry for a few days,” the MeT has forecast.
“There is a possibility of thunder/hail/gusty winds (40-50 KMPH) at a few places during April & 7-8th April,” the MeT advisory warned.
It cautioned that intense heavy showers for a brief period may lead to flash floods/landslides at few vulnerable places and water logging in few low lying areas.
Farmers have been advised to suspend all farm operations.