Srinagar/Jammu, Jan 23 (KNO): The season’s first widespread snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday ended a prolonged dry spell, covering large parts of the Valley and hill districts with fresh snow and disrupting road and air connectivity.
Snowfall was recorded from almost all districts of Kashmir, parts of Jammu, and Ladakh, though accumulation varied significantly by location, independent weather observer Faizan Arif, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
In central Kashmir, Budgam district recorded some of the season’s heaviest snowfall. Pakherpora received between 1.5 and 2 feet of snow, while Charar-i-Sharief saw around 1.5 feet.
Srinagar airport recorded 3 to 4 inches, though most parts of the city received only light snowfall.
South Kashmir bore the brunt of the intense spell. Shopian district reported 1.5 to 2.5 feet of snow in the plains, while higher reaches accumulated between 2.5 and 4 feet.
Pulwama district also saw heavy snowfall, with areas such as Drabgam and Rajpora recording around 1.5 feet.
In north Kashmir, Gulmarg recorded about 2 feet of snowfall. Kupwara district received heavy accumulation, with Hachmarg getting around 2.5 feet, while Dedikote and Tangdhar recorded nearly 2 feet each.
Higher reaches of the Karnah Valley above 2,000 metres saw snowfall ranging from 2.5 to 4 feet.
Snowfall also extended to the Jammu region and Ladakh. Loran Mandi in Poonch received 7 to 8 inches of snow, while Banihal recorded over 5 inches.
In Ladakh, the Suru Valley in Kargil district received 3 to 4 inches.
Weather officials said the snowfall followed a sharp pressure drop on Thursday, triggering strong gusty winds across the region.
Shopian recorded wind speeds of up to 150 kmph, while parts of Poonch, Reasi, south Kashmir, and Srinagar also experienced strong winds, leading to uprooted trees and precautionary power cuts in several areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall was likely to continue through Friday, with heavy precipitation at isolated places, particularly in South Kashmir and Pir Panjal regions.
Officials said the current western disturbance is expected to weaken by evening, while another system is likely to affect the region around January 26.
Following fresh snowfall, major highways connecting the Kashmir Valley, including key mountain passes, were closed for traffic, while air operations were disrupted, with around 26 flights cancelled at Srinagar airport.
Meanwhile, the season’s first snowfall also transformed Jammu’s hill stations, including Vaishno Devi, Patnitop, and Bhaderwah, into tourist attractions.
Authorities said traffic remained largely smooth, with snow-clearing operations deployed proactively.
The fresh snowfall has raised hopes for improved water resources and a boost to winter tourism after an unusually dry start to the season.
Meanwhile, police across several districts of Kashmir activated round-the-clock emergency helpline services and carried out rescue operations to assist residents, tourists, and patients stranded due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions.
Emergency helplines were established in Ganderbal, Sopore, Awantipora, and Budgam districts to facilitate the public during inclement weather.
Police officials said the helplines would operate 24x7 to respond to distress calls, provide emergency assistance, and prevent untoward incidents. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official advisories.
In Ganderbal district, police teams were deployed at Gund and Sonamarg, where heavy snowfall left several vehicles stranded.
Officials said police personnel assisted tourists and locals by clearing snowbound vehicles, facilitating safe movement, and providing on-the-spot assistance to vulnerable commuters.
Similar rescue efforts were reported from Shopian and Kulgam districts, where police helped stranded residents, cleared hospital access roads, and ensured uninterrupted emergency medical services.
In Shopian, police responded to an urgent call from a COPD patient and delivered an oxygen cylinder to the patient’s residence.
In another instance, a stranded patient was safely transported to a hospital amid snowfall.
In Kulgam, police evacuated a pregnant woman from Rangtraji area of Devsar to a primary health centre after she developed labour pains.
In a separate incident, police assisted a woman and her newborn baby who were stranded at Chango Crossing near Qazigund, shifting them safely on foot to their residence amid slippery conditions.
Police in Sopore, Awantipora, and Budgam also issued public advisories, urging residents to remain vigilant, seek police assistance in emergencies, and adhere to safety protocols during snowfall and strong winds.
Meanwhile, the authorities issued a high-danger avalanche warning for six districts of the Union territory following fresh snowfall.
Officials said avalanches with a high-danger level were likely above 2,300 metres in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir over the next 24 hours, while similar conditions were expected above 2,500 metres in parts of Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Ramban districts in the Jammu region, and Kupwara district in north Kashmir.
Residents were advised to remain cautious and avoid venturing into avalanche-prone areas. Earlier in the day, most parts of the Union territory received moderate to heavy snowfall, officials said—(KNO)