Several areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir, including the Gulmarg tourist resort, received fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rains on Sunday. On account of snow accumulation and bad weather conditions, two key vulnerable routes-Mughal road and Srinagar –Kargil Highway have been closed for vehicular traffic.
The upper reaches of Gulmarg, including Apharwat and Kongdoori bowls, received snowfall, which continued till last reports came in. Pir Ki Gali, along the Mughal Road in Shopian district of south Kashmir, and Sonamarg Zojilla axis also received fresh snowfall.
The snowfall on the Zojilla Pass forced the closure of the Srinagar-Leh national highway, the officials added.The plains of the valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by rains which were going on till last reports, the officials said.The wet weather has brought down the day temperature across the valley.The Meteorological Department has forecast erratic weather till March 20.It said intermittent light to moderate rain, or snow in the higher reaches was likely till Monday morning.There is a possibility of a brief spell of light rain or snow, in the higher reaches, at isolated places on Tuesday.
From March 18-20, the weather will remain generally cloudy with a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain or snow at many places.The MeT Office said another wet spells is likely on March 24-25, with light rain, or snow in the higher reaches, at scattered places.It said there is a possibility of thunder or gusty winds, about 40-50 kmph, at a few places on Sunday and Monday.
Meanwhile, vehicular movement on the Srinagar-Kargil highway was suspended again on Sunday after fresh snowfall at Zojila Pass rendered the road unsafe for travel, officials said.Authorities had earlier allowed limited traffic movement from Sonamarg towards Kargil after the highway was temporarily reopened following a six-day closure caused by heavy snowfall and accumulation of snow along the Zojila stretch.
Officials said snow clearance operations were carried out by the Border Roads Organisation after improvement in weather conditions to restore connectivity on the strategic route.Following the clearance, traffic authorities permitted nearly 300 vehicles, including passenger vehicles and carriers transporting vegetables and other essential supplies, to move from Sonamarg towards Kargil on Sunday morning, they said.
The historic Mughal Road has also been closed for all types of vehicular movement following fresh snowfall and rainfall at Peer Ki Gali, officials said on Sunday afternoon.SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir Farooq Qaiser said that the road has been shut as a precautionary measure due to fresh snowfall at Peer Ki Gali and inclement weather conditions along the route.
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