Severe Weather Disrupts Travel in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh

Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are facing severe weather disruptions due to heavy snowfall, which has caused widespread travel delays and safety concerns. Key roads have been closed, flights have been suspended, and thousands of tourists have been stranded as the region grapples with the effects of the adverse conditions.

Major Road Closures in Jammu and Kashmir

In Jammu and Kashmir, snowfall blanketed plains like Srinagar with up to three inches of snow, while higher-altitude areas such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam were hit with more substantial snowfall. As a result, several key roads were blocked, including the Srinagar-Leh Highway and Mughal Road. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway also experienced traffic disruptions, stranding about 2,000 vehicles.

Tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gurez, and the Zojila Pass were particularly impacted, with authorities working to clear roads in several areas across Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts.

Efforts to Clear Roads and Assist Tourists

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that snow clearance operations were underway. He shared his personal experience on social media, describing the journey from Jammu to Srinagar as “treacherous” due to continuous snowfall. His office has been coordinating with the administration to address the situation, especially in South Kashmir, where icy conditions continue to pose a risk.

Weather Forecast: Continued Snowfall Expected

Meteorologists predict that a western disturbance, in combination with easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, will continue to bring significant snowfall and rainfall across the western Himalayan region in the coming days. Scattered to widespread precipitation is expected to persist into the New Year, adding to the already challenging conditions in these regions.

Tourists Rescued Amid the Crisis

Authorities have reported the successful rescue of approximately 5,000 tourists who were stranded due to the heavy snowfall. Efforts are ongoing to ensure their safety and assist with their evacuation as the weather conditions remain unpredictable.

Is It Safe to Travel?

Travelers are advised to exercise caution as the weather conditions continue to evolve. The closure of key roads and disruptions to flights make the situation uncertain, and potential travelers should stay informed about the latest weather updates before making travel plans.