Srinagar, March 15: The upper reaches of Kashmir received a fresh snowfall while plains including Srinagar received rainfall on Sunday.
“Snowfall was recorded in areas including Peer Ki Gali, Sinthan Top, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, Gurez Valley, Sadhna Top and along the Sonamarg–Zojila axis,” an official said.
He said that due to slippery roads, the Gurez–Bandipora road and the Mughal Road, which connects the Kashmir Valley with the Pir Panjal region, have been closed to vehicular traffic.
Many places in the Kashmir in Srinagar and a few areas in the Jammu division also received rainfall during the day, a MeT official said.
“Erratic weather conditions are likely to continue across the Union Territory until March 20,” he said.
The MeT has forecasted intermittent light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches at many places until the forenoon of March 16.
“On March 17, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, with brief spells of light rain or snowfall at isolated higher-altitude locations,” the official said.
From March 18 to 20, generally cloudy conditions are expected, with intermittent light to moderate rain or snowfall at many places, mainly during night and morning hours.
The department predicted generally dry weather from March 21 to 23, while skies are expected to remain generally cloudy with light rain or snowfall in higher reaches at scattered locations on March 24 and 25.
The MeT has advised travellers and transporters, particularly those moving through higher reaches and key mountain passes, to plan their journeys accordingly.
It also warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph at a few places during March 15–16 and again between March 18 and 20. Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations from March 15 to 20 due to expected adverse weather.
Meanwhile, the historic Mughal Road has been closed for all types of vehicular movement following fresh snowfall and rainfall at Peer Ki Gali.
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.
He said commuters have been advised to refrain from travelling on the Mughal Road until further notice. “The status of the road will be communicated once it is declared safe and reopened for traffic,” he added.