Weatherman predicts heavy rain, snow in JK
Says inclement weather may disrupt air, surface traffic; Avalanche warning for Bandipora, Kupwara
The Meteorological department has predicted rains and snowfall for next seven days in Jammu and Kashmir, with officials advising the state administration to remain alert to possible avalanches and landslides in hilly areas.
According to Met officials, many places in the state are likely to witness heavy snow and rainfall from February 16 to 24 due to impending western disturbance over J&K, which may trigger avalanches and landslides.
They predicted moderate rain and hailstorm in plains of Jammu division and heavy snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir and areas of Ladakh.
“There will be significant decrease in day temperatures and slight rise in night temperature, during this period,” the officials said. The MeT has also warned the state administration that the upcoming weather system may disturb surface and air transport.
The Indian Meteorological Department has written to Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu about the prevailing weather situation in the state and its possible fallout.
According to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, a western disturbance is persisting over J&K and is likely to affect the State from February 16 to February 24 with occasional gaps.
“Under the influence of the disturbance, moderate rain and snowfall over higher reaches will occur at most places of Kashmir and Jammu divisions and at many places of Ladakh region. Some places may receive heavy rain and snow during this period. The weather conditions may trigger landslides and avalanches in vulnerable areas of the State,” an official spokesman said.
The people living in avalanche prone areas of Bandipora and Kupwara districts have been asked not to venture out during the above-mentioned period and keep clearing the snow from rooftops of their houses to avoid any damage to life and property. “The concerned Deputy Commissioners are also requested to take all precautionary measures so as to avert any untoward incident,” the spokesman said.
RAINS LASH KASHMIR
Meanwhile, rains lashed Kashmir Valley on Monday while upper reaches received fresh snowfall, bringing down temperature. “Almost all places in Kashmir received rains during the night while fresh snowfall was recorded in higher reaches,” said a Met official.
He said Srinagar received 9.4 mm rain, Pahalgam 12.2 mm, Qazigund 4 mm and Kokernag 4.4 mm rain.
He said that Kupwara received 20.5 mm rains while Gulmarg recorded 7.2 mm and 4 cm snowfall.
Maximum and minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar was 6.9 degree Celsius and 4.8 degree Celsius respectively. The maximum and minimum temperature recorded in Jammu was 24.1 degree Celsius and 14.1 degree Celsius respectively while it remained 8.8 degree Celsius and minus 1.1 degree Celsius in Ladakh respectively.
Meanwhile, traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway plied smoothly, officials said. “It was raining, but the traffic movement was smooth and about 3000 vehicles crossed the Tunnel,” said IG Traffic, Muneer Ahmad Khan.
He added in case of fair weather, traffic would ply from Jammu to Srinagar on Tuesday.
“We advice passengers not to travel during night from Ramsoo and Ramban as these are landslide-prone areas,” he said.
