SRINAGAR: Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches and widespread rainfall across the Kashmir Valley on Thursday brought down temperatures by several degrees, while disrupting road connectivity at key mountain passes and triggering a landslide along the Uri-Baramulla National Highway.
Officials said the higher reaches, including the tourist resorts of Gulmarg and Sonamarg, received fresh overnight snowfall under the influence of a Western Disturbance. Snowfall was also reported in the upper areas of Gurez and Kupwara, besides Zojila Pass and Peer Ki Gali along the Mughal Road.
Vehicular movement on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway was suspended following fresh snowfall and slippery road conditions at Zojila Pass. The Mughal Road was also closed to traffic due to snow accumulation and slippery conditions at Peer Ki Gali.
Meanwhile, the plains of Kashmir, including Srinagar, experienced rainfall throughout the day, resulting in a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures.
Rains also triggered a landslide along the Uri-Baramulla National Highway at Rajanwani in north Kashmir, disrupting traffic and leaving commuters stranded. Officials said debris and boulders accumulated on the road, bringing vehicular movement to a halt.
Road clearance operations have been initiated to remove the debris and restore traffic movement, they added.
The Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches at most places across Jammu and Kashmir until Friday afternoon. Moderate to heavy rain or snowfall is also likely at some places during this period.
A brief spell of light rain or snowfall at isolated places is likely on November 14 and 15, while the weather is expected to remain generally dry from November 16 to 20.
Authorities have advised commuters to check the latest road and traffic advisories before undertaking journeys on snow-affected routes.
