Fresh Snowfall Transforms Kashmir Into A Winter Wonderland

Fresh snowfall was reported on the high reaches of Kashmir Valley on Sunday evening, which resulted in considerable decline in temperatures. Officials confirmed that Gurez, Karnah, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and other mountainous areas received snowfall. According to them, the snowfall started late in the afternoon and affected areas, including the famous ski resort of Gulmarg.

Fresh Snowfall Transforms Kashmir Into A Winter Wonderland

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Consequently, due to snowfall, traffic disruptions in these areas, including the Mughal, Gurez, and Sinthan roads, have occurred. All these roads were stopped and officials started advising visitors to avoid these routes until they are cleared and considered safe for passage. The authorities stressed the importance of staying updated on road conditions before embarking on journeys.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) was already announcing about the cloudy weather with light rain in some specific areas in the Jammu Division and light rain or snow in the higher reaches of Kashmir, from the evening of 8 December up to the morning of December 9. The forecast indicated that the weather would remain dry from December 10th to 11th, with a further indication of a return of cloudy conditions and light snow in isolated higher regions on December 12.

For the future, the department has duly forecast for continued dry weather from 13th to 17th December, giving a momentary relief respite from the winter weather conditions. However, this is only for reference as travel conditions might change quickly, especially in the mountain regions.

Considering the snow and slippery road conditions, travel advisory has been issued for the Gulmarg-Tangmarg road. Only 4x4 with anti-skid chains attached can ply on this route. LMVs of not more than ten-seater capacity will be allowed to minimize congestion.

Registered vendors will charge INR 600 per pair for installation of anti-skid chains. Tour operators and private vehicle owners are advised to park their vehicles in specified places. Road-selling vendors of coats and boots are also cautioned not to block roads to allow free movement of traffic.

Those planning to travel toward the upper reaches of Kashmir should keep pondering the weather and road conditions and should follow advisory alerts, while exercising caution for their safety in the wake of recent snowfall.