Heavy snowfall and continuous rain across Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh have led to the closure of key highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, officials said on Friday. The severe weather conditions have halted traffic movement, affecting a large number of vehicles, including trucks, passenger buses, and private cars.
Jammu-Srinagar Highway Shut Due to Snow, Landslides
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been closed due to snow accumulation between Ramsoo and Qazigund and multiple landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones between Nashri and the NAVYUG Tunnel. Traffic police have stopped all vehicles at Jakhani in Udhampur, preventing them from moving further.
In Uttarakhand, parts of Dehradun received heavy rainfall, while Doda and Bhalesa districts in Jammu and Kashmir witnessed fresh snowfall, further intensifying the cold conditions.
Snow Clearance Operations Underway
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed personnel to clear snow from key locations, including the Srinagar airport runway, which received a fresh layer of snow on Friday. Despite these efforts, road connectivity remains severely impacted.
Avalanche Alert Issued for Himachal Pradesh
A thick blanket of snow covers Lahaul and Spiti, where authorities have warned of possible avalanches. The Lahaul and Spiti Police issued an avalanche alert for February 28, advising residents and travelers to remain cautious.
Orange Alert in J&K, Himachal Pradesh
Authorities have issued an orange alert in four districts of Himachal Pradesh—Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi—between February 26 and 28, predicting heavy snowfall and rainfall. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has also sounded warnings due to the continuous bad weather.
Farmers Welcome Snowfall
Interestingly, while the heavy snowfall has disrupted daily life, local farmers have welcomed the snowfall, which they believe will benefit their crops. Earlier snowfall had raised concerns about financial losses for orchardists, but the latest spell appears to be favorable for agriculture.
Weather Conditions to Persist Until February 28
According to weather officials, the region is likely to experience uninterrupted rainfall and snowfall until February 28, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
Sources By Agencies