Kashmir, together with Srinagar, skilled the main snowfall of the season, with forecasts indicating extra to return. The snowfall started throughout midnight, masking your complete area with 5 to six inches of snow within the plains and accumulating 3 to 4 ft in increased reaches. The meteorological division reported 5-6 inches of snowfall within the plains and 8-12 inches within the center and better reaches of Kashmir Division. Srinagar recorded 6 inches of snow by morning, with Qazigund receiving 10 inches, Pahalgam 12 inches, Kupwara 21 inches, Kokernag 11 inches, and Gulmarg 20 inches.
Temperatures remained beneath freezing throughout the valley, with Srinagar recording -1.7°C, Qazigund at -2.2°C, Pahalgam at -3.5°C, Kokernag at -3.0°C, and Gulmarg at a low of -7.0°C. The forecast suggests the potential of gentle to average snow persevering with over many locations till late afternoon on Sunday, with gradual enchancment thereafter.
Heavy snowfall disrupted life throughout the Kashmir valley, halting each air and floor transport. All flights scheduled for right now at Srinagar International Airport have been canceled because of contemporary snowfall and opposed climate situations.
The director of Srinagar Airport confirmed the cancellations, citing dangerous climate as the explanation. Additionally, seven trains have been canceled within the Valley because of heavy snowfall.
The Srinagar-Jammu nationwide freeway was blocked because of a landslide in Ramban, resulting in the closure of the street. The Jammu and Kashmir Traffic police suggested individuals to keep away from the journey on NH-44 till the climate improves and the street is cleared.
All different highways, together with Mughal Road, Anantnag-Kishtwar Road, Srinagar-Leh Road, and Bandipora-Gurez Road connecting Kashmir to the remainder of the nation, are closed for visitors. Roads on the borders, particularly in Kupwara district, are additionally closed for vehicular visitors, with efforts underway to revive visitors.
Avalanche warnings with a MEDIUM Danger Level have been issued for areas above 2400 meters above sea degree in Bandipore, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, and Ramban districts. People in these areas are suggested to take precautions and keep away from venturing into avalanche-prone areas.
A particular helpline quantity (112) has been created for emergency assist, and a snow management room has been established in each district of Kashmir to offer well timed help in emergency conditions.
The heavy snowfall has revived tourism in Kashmir, attracting elevated footfall from vacationers. The picturesque panorama lined in a white blanket of snow has introduced pleasure to each vacationers and the tourism trade, which had confronted setbacks in latest months because of a scarcity of serious snowfall.
Tourists are having fun with the snowfall at Gulmarg, Sonamarg resorts, and different vacationer spots in Kashmir, offering a lift to winter tourism within the area. Authorities have rescheduled the 4th Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, which have been initially canceled as a result of unavailability of snow.
