news details |
|
|
| Snowstorm paralyzes J&K | | All flights cancelled from Srinagar, highway shut | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 23: An intense snowstorm across the Kashmir Valley on Friday led to the cancellation of all flights at Srinagar Airport, while traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway also remained suspended due to heavy snowfall and rain in lower reaches.
The fresh spell of snowfall severely disrupted normal life across several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, affecting road, air and rail connectivity, besides power supply in many areas.
“In view of continuous snowfall, accumulation of snow on operational areas and the prevailing forecast of adverse weather en route, all flight operations at Srinagar Airport stand cancelled for the day in the interest of passenger safety,” an official spokesperson of the Srinagar Airport said in a post on the airport’s official social media handle.
“Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updates and re-accommodation. We regret the inconvenience caused,” the spokesperson added.
Except for Jammu and Samba districts, all other 18 districts of Jammu and Kashmir recorded the first major snowfall of the season. Areas close to the Pir Panjal mountain range witnessed heavy accumulation, while higher reaches of south and north Kashmir received deep snow, severely affecting movement and connectivity. Shopian district recorded substantial snowfall, and several interior and hilly roads were closed.
The heavy snowfall led to the closure of several roads, including important rural and link roads, while traffic movement on key highways remained affected. Power supply was disrupted in many localities after snow-laden trees and strong winds damaged electricity infrastructure. Restoration work was initiated but remained slow due to prevailing weather conditions.
Educational institutions in several districts remained closed as a precautionary measure, while rail services on the Banihal–Baramulla section remained suspended due to poor visibility and snow accumulation. Multiple flight cancellations were also reported at Srinagar Airport.
Residents across the Valley woke up to snow-covered roads, rooftops and vehicles, while temperatures dropped sharply, intensifying the cold wave. Authorities advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially during night hours, and to strictly follow official advisories.
Weather observers said the snowfall was widespread and intense, making it one of the significant snow events of the ongoing winter season. Further precipitation is likely in some areas as the weather system continues to influence the region.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Paul Singh, urged commuters and tourists to strictly adhere to traffic advisories amid heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.
Speaking to the media at Qazigund, SSP Singh said, “It is snowing heavily. Around the Navyug Tunnel area, nearly four inches of snow has accumulated, while Banihal and adjoining stretches have recorded more than two feet of snow.”
He said the Traffic Police has issued fresh advisories for the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, hilly terrains and major tourist destinations. “Advisories have been issued for internal roads and tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam. Heavy snowfall has made road conditions extremely slippery,” he said.
The SSP said traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway would remain completely suspended for the day. “Those planning to travel to or from Jammu should strictly follow today’s advisory and daily updates issued by Traffic Headquarters. Travel plans should be made only after checking tomorrow morning’s advisory,” he said.
He further said that traffic from Tangmarg to Gulmarg has been stopped, while only downhill traffic from Gulmarg towards Srinagar is being allowed on priority. “The situation is similar in Sonamarg and Pahalgam stretches, where heavy snowfall is continuing,” he added.
SSP Singh said vehicles without anti-skid chains would not be allowed to ply. “Anti-skid mechanisms are mandatory. Without them, no vehicle will be permitted,” he said, adding that connectivity has been affected in several areas, including Machil, Tangdhar, Sadhna, Rajdhan, Sinthan Pass, SSG Road and the Mughal Road.
He appealed to commuters to avoid unnecessary movement. “Roads are slippery, snowfall is intense and the forecast suggests similar conditions till tomorrow afternoon. Please stay safe and do not travel unless essential,” he said, adding that checkpoints have been established to restrict vehicular movement. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
