Srinagar: Fresh snowfall continued across several higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, bringing down temperatures and disrupting road connectivity, while Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district received the season’s first snowfall.
Sadhna Top and Razdan Pass received over a foot of snow during the past 24 hours, while 8-10 inches accumulated at Sinthan Top.
Z-Gali and Margan Top recorded 6-8 inches of fresh snowfall each, while Zojila Pass received 5-6 inches. Peer Ki Gali recorded 5-8 inches, Baltal 4-6 inches and Gurez Valley 3-5 inches. Sonamarg received 2-3 inches, while Gulmarg recorded around one centimetre of fresh snowfall.
Fresh snowfall was also reported from the higher reaches of Doda and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region, intensifying cold conditions across the Union Territory.
Meanwhile, the Mughal Road, connecting south Kashmir’s Shopian district with Poonch and Rajouri districts in the Jammu region, remained closed for the second consecutive day on Friday following heavy snowfall at Pir Ki Gali and adjoining higher reaches.
The road was closed on Thursday after fresh snowfall rendered it unsafe for traffic. Movement along the route remains suspended until weather conditions improve and snow-clearance operations are completed.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched snow-clearance operations along the road. However, continued snowfall is likely to hamper restoration efforts. Officials had earlier indicated that the road could be reopened on Friday, subject to favourable weather conditions.
Snow-clearance operations have also been initiated along the Chowkibal-Tangdhar road in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally cloudy weather, with light to moderate rainfall in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches at most places on Friday. Moderate to heavy precipitation is also likely over higher reaches during the period.
For November 14 and 15, the MeT department has predicted brief spells of light rain and snowfall at a few places, while generally dry weather is expected across Jammu and Kashmir from November 16 to 20.
The department has also forecast a significant drop of 6-8 degrees Celsius in daytime temperatures during November 12 and 13, with thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds likely at a few places.
Advising farmers to ensure safe storage of harvested crops, the MeT department cautioned that moderate to heavy snowfall over higher reaches could disrupt traffic on important mountain passes and hilly roads.
Travellers, transporters and tourists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and follow traffic advisories issued by the authorities.
Authorities have specifically advised commuters to avoid travelling on the Mughal Road until it is officially reopened.
