Srinagar: Weatherman on Tuesday issued an ‘orange alert’ as the present weather system of snowfall is expected to “intensify”. The weather office has already issued an advisory for snowfall in JK till January 9.
“As expected, weather is overcast in both JK with widespread light rain, snow and moderate snow over higher reaches,” an official of the MeT office said.
The official added, “Present weather is likely to intensify as the day progresses. Expect moderate snow, rain in plains and heavy snowfall over higher reaches with main activity later tonight and tomorrow in both Jammu and Kashmir.”
The weatherman has issued an ‘amber/orange’ warning for “isolated heavy snowfall”.
There are four types of colour codes signifying the level of caution: green which means no action, yellow- the situation to be watched), amber- agencies need to be prepared for severe weather, and red- which means action needed by the agencies.
The weather office has urged people not to venture out on avalanche and landslide prone areas, unless extremely necessary.
“Keep power, light backup (in case of power failure),” the MeT office said, adding, “Drive very slowly and in low gear while driving on snow-bound area”.
Two successive western disturbances are affecting Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and adjoining areas till January 9 (forenoon).
Under the influence of these weather systems, the weatherman said that widespread moderate rain and snow is expected in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh regions.
“Light rain/snow would commence at a few places of Kashmir from January 3 evening and thereafter increase in intensity and distribution,” reads the advisory.
The advisory added, “Main activity of this system will be an occurrence of moderate to heavy rain, snow, most likely during January 5 to 8 and gradual decrease thereafter.”
The system is likely to cause heavy rain and snow mainly in Pirpanjal Range of Jammu division (from Bhadcrwah to Banihal), upper reaches of Kashmir (Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Baramulla and Kupwara , and Drass subdivisionn in Ladakh.
Regarding probable impacts, the weather advisory says that there may be disruption of surface and air transport including Jammu-Srinagar highway, Srinagar-Leh highway (Zojila Pass), Leh-Manali, Mughal Road, and Sadhna pass.
“There are chances of snow avalanches and landslides in vulnerable areas besides disruption of power supply in hilly areas,” it said.
“People in snow-bound areas are advised to avoid venturing into sloppy areas during heavy snow,” the advisory reads, adding, “People are also advised to maintain proper ventilation.”
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