Kashmir, together with Srinagar, skilled the most important snowfall of the season, with forecasts indicating extra to return. The snowfall started throughout midnight, overlaying the whole area with 5 to six inches of snow within the plains and accumulating Three to four 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 under 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 for mild 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 Worldwide Airport had been canceled attributable to contemporary snowfall and opposed climate situations.
The director of Srinagar Airport confirmed the cancellations, citing unhealthy climate as the rationale. Moreover, seven trains had been canceled within the Valley attributable to heavy snowfall.
The Srinagar-Jammu nationwide freeway was blocked attributable to a landslide in Ramban, resulting in the closure of the highway. The Jammu and Kashmir Visitors police suggested folks to keep away from the journey on NH-44 till the climate improves and the highway is cleared.
All different highways, together with Mughal Street, Anantnag-Kishtwar Street, Srinagar-Leh Street, and Bandipora-Gurez Street 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 Hazard Degree have been issued for areas above 2400 meters above sea stage in Bandipore, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, and Ramban districts. Individuals 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 supply well timed help in emergency conditions.
The heavy snowfall has revived tourism in Kashmir, attracting elevated footfall from vacationers. The picturesque panorama coated in a white blanket of snow has introduced pleasure to each vacationers and the tourism trade, which had confronted setbacks in latest months attributable to an absence of serious snowfall.
Vacationers 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 Video games in Gulmarg, which had been initially canceled because of the unavailability of snow.
