SRINAGAR: While ending a prolonged dry spell, the season’s first widespread snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday severely disrupted road, rail and air connectivity.
Snowfall was reported from almost all districts of Kashmir, parts of Jammu, and Ladakh, though accumulation varied significantly by region.
In central Kashmir, Budgam district witnessed some of the heaviest snowfall. Pakherpora received between 1.5 and 2 feet of snow, while Charar-i-Sharief recorded around 1.5 feet. Srinagar airport recorded 3 to 4 inches, though most parts of the city received only light snowfall.
South Kashmir bore the brunt of the intense spell. Shopian district reported 4 feet of snow in the plains, while higher reaches accumulated between 2.5 and 4 feet. Pulwama district also saw heavy snowfall, with areas such as Deabgam and Rajpora receiving around 1.5 feet. In north Kashmir, Gulmarg recorded about 4 feet of snow fall. Kupwara district received heavy accumulation, with Machmag getting around 2.5 feet, while Dedikote and Tangdhar recorded nearly 2 feet each. Higher reaches of the Karnah Valley above 2,000 metres saw snowfall ranging from 2.5 to 4 feet.
Snowfall also extended to the Jammu region and Ladakh. Loran Mandi in Poonch received 7 to 8 inches, Banihal recorded over 5 inches, while the Suru Valley in Kargil district of Ladakh received 3 to 4 inches.
Weather officials said the snowfall followed a sharp pressure drop on Thursday, triggering strong gusty winds across the region. Shopian recorded wind speeds of up to 150 kmph, while parts of Poonch, Reasi, south Kashmir and Srinagar also experienced strong winds, leading to uprooted trees and precautionary power cuts in several areas.
The India Meteorological Department said widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall was likely to continue through Friday, with heavy precipitation at isolated places, particularly in south Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region. Officials said the current western disturbance is expected to weaken by evening, while another system may affect the region around January 26.
Following fresh snowfall, major highways connecting the Kashmir Valley, including key mountain passes, were closed for traffic. The Sinthan Kishtwar road, Mughal Road and Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumnri roads were shut as a precautionary measure. Several interior roads in hilly areas became slippery, affecting vehicular movement.
Traffic officials said around 35 heavy motor vehicles remained stranded on the Qazigund side, while no light motor vehicles were stranded as they had been turned back.
Authorities announced that the Jammu Srinagar National Highway would remain closed on Saturday. Commuters were advised to avoid travel, ensure antiskid equipment, and strictly follow traffic advisories.
Rail services on the Banihal-Budgam section were suspended due to heavy snowfall along the track. The Baramulla section remained completely suspended, while limited operations were managed on select stretches.
However, the Vande Bharat train from Katra to Srinagar continued to operate, with railway teams managing to run a few services despite adverse conditions.
Air traffic was badly affected. Over 26 flights were cancelled at Srinagar Airport before authorities suspended all operations in the interest of passenger safety. Jammu Airport witnessed diversions and delays. Hundreds of passengers remained stranded inside the Srinagar terminal as continuous snowfall and poor visibility hampered runway clearance operations.
Airport officials said resumption of flights would depend entirely on weather improvement.
Meanwhile, police across several districts activated round-the-clock emergency helplines and carried out rescue operations to assist residents, tourists and patients stranded due to heavy snowfall.
Emergency helplines were established in Gandherbal, Sopore, Avantipora and Budgam.
In Ganderbal, police teams were deployed at Gund and Sonamarg, where heavy snowfall left several vehicles stranded. In Shopian and Kulgam, police cleared hospital access roads, transported patients, and ensured emergency medical services.
In Shopian, police delivered an oxygen cylinder to a COPD patient and safely shifted another stranded patient to hospital. In Kulgam, a pregnant woman from Devsar was evacuated to a health centre, while a woman and her newborn were safely escorted on foot from Chango Crossing near Qazigund.
Authorities issued a high-danger avalanche warning for six districts. Avalanches are likely above 2,300 metres in Ganderbal, and above 2,500 metres in parts of Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban and Kupwara over the next 24 hours.
Residents have been advised to avoid avalanche-prone areas. Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Mohd Suleman Choudhary, convened a high-level meeting to review the prevailing traffic situation and finalise arrangements for Republic Day celebrations.
He directed officers to enforce strict cut-off points on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, ensure availability of breakdown assistance teams, improve coordination with BRO, NHAI and district administrations, and strengthen public advisories. The IGP stressed proactive planning, real-time monitoring and effective public awareness to ensure commuter safety during snowfall and upcoming Republic Day events.
Following the season’s first widespread snowfall, Kashmir’s major tourist destinations are witnessing a significant surge in visitors, with Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam emerging as the most crowded spots in the Valley.
