Gopal Sharma
SRINAGAR/ JAMMU, Nov 1: Kashmir valley today received light rainfall while hills had fresh snowfall forcing the authorities to close Srinagar-Leh National Highway and Mughal road for traffic.
Kashmir valley witnessed rains this afternoon bringing chill to the Valley. Gusty winds were also blowing across forcing people to head homes early in the evening.
The hills of Kashmir and the Line of Control had fresh snowfall. The snowfall led to drop in the temperatures across Kashmir.
Director Meteorological Department, J&K Sonam Lotus said that light to moderate rains in plains of Kashmir valley and snow in higher reaches of Valley and parts of Jammu division on Srinagar-Jammu highway is expected in next 24 hours.
Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic, Rural, Muzaffar Ahmad Shah told Excelsior that the traffic was closed on Srinagar-Leh National Highway and Mughal road following snowfall this afternoon.
He said that it was snowing at Menimarg and Sonamarg and the traffic was closed on the highway due to slippery road conditions in Zojila area.
Meanwhile, due to rain in higher reaches of Poonch, Rajouri and Ramban this afternoon, fresh snowfall took place in the higher reaches of Pir Panjal. About 5-6 inch snow fall was reported in some parts including Pir Ki Gali forcing authorities to close the Mughal Road for the movement of traffic. The traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was however, moving smoothly till late this evening amidst light rain.
SSP Poonch, Rajiv Pandey said that after receiving reports from Executive Engineer, R&B Mughal Road and SDPO Surankote, Reyaz Ahmed about the fresh snowfall in Pir Ki Gali area and landslides at two places, the movement of the vehicles on Mughal Road was stopped at around 4 pm.
He said the road has turned slippery in Pir Ki Gali area and therefore, the movement of the vehicles was suspended on both sides due to safety reasons. Moreover, the slides are yet to be cleared from the road. He said that no traffic will be allowed on both the sides till weather improves and road is cleared.
Due to light rain in several areas of Jammu this evening and fresh snowfall at the higher reaches, the temperature of the winter capital city has witnessed sharp fall. The weather turned little cold in the late evening here, forcing people and especially the bike riders to wear light woolen clothes. It was raining in Jammu city when the last reports were being filed tonight.
A weatherman said that Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 29.2 degree Celsius and minimum 15.6 deg C; holy township of Katra a maximum temperature of 26.2 degree C and minimum 14.6 deg C while Bhaderwah tourist resort maximum 22.5 degree C and minimum 7 deg C temperature. Srinagar city today recorded a minimum temperature of 6.9 degree C and maximum 16.6 deg C while tourist resort Gulmarg maximum 8.3 degree C and minimum 4.6 degree Celsius temperature.
He predicted cloudy sky and light rain at several places across the region during next 24 hours. He said the weather will improve in J&K after November 4.
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