Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Nov 13 : 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.
According to details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), 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 each, while Zojila Pass received 5-6 inches of fresh snowfall.
Peer Ki Gali recorded 5-8 inches of snow, while Baltal received 4-6 inches. Gurez Valley witnessed 3-5 inches of fresh snowfall, while Sonamarg recorded 2-3 inches. Gulmarg received around one centimetre of fresh snow.
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, Mughal Road, connecting south Kashmir’s Shopian district with the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri, remained closed for the second consecutive day following heavy snowfall at Pir Ki Gali.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has launched snow-clearance operations along the road. However, continued snowfall is likely to hamper restoration efforts. Officials said the road could be reopened for traffic on Friday, subject to favourable weather conditions.
Snow-clearance operations have also been launched 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. In its latest forecast, the MeT department said light to moderate precipitation would continue at most places, with moderate to heavy rain and snowfall likely over higher reaches during the period.
For November 14 and 15, the 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 the 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.—(KNO)
