Srinagar: The Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir with rest of the world, was closed while entire Valley along with some parts of Jammu division were blanketed with snowfall on Friday.
Reports said that Srinagar-Jammu highway was closed due to snow accumulation at Jawahar Tunnel.
“Commuters are advised to undertake journey on NHW only after confirming the status of road from (control room),” the traffic official said.
Meanwhile, reports of light to moderate snowfall was received from all parts of the Valley including the world famous ski-resort of Gulmarg. In Srinagar, Meteorological department official said that there was snowfall equivalent to 5.6mm when converted into water. The summer capital of the state recorded a low of minus 1 degree Celsius.
A weather advisory issued by meteorological department said: “As expected snowfall is most likely to commence from evening of 10 January in north-west Kashmir and likely to increase in intensity and distribution at most places of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, especially the Kargil district, with main activity on 11-12 January. Higher reaches of Kashmir and Pir Panjal range may receive heavy snowfall”. “This may lead to temporary disruption of surface and air transportation (mainly on 12 January,” it said.
The divisional administration Kashmir said it was ready meet any eventuality and has directed the deputy commissioners of Kashmir to activate their control rooms .
People living in avalanche-prone areas have been asked not to venture in avalanche-prone areas during the inclement weather period, an official said.
