Snowfall in higher reaches ends dry spell in Kashmir

Srinagar : The higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Friday while plains also experienced light showers, ending the dry spell in most parts of the valley. However, the weathermen here have predicted more rains and snow till tomorrow (Saturday).
Reports said that Gulmarg, a world famous ski-resort, Machil, Sinthan Top, Sonamarg, Zoji la, Pir Panchal, Sadhna Pass and Mughal Road experienced fresh light snowfall.
Data available reads that Machil received 2 inches of snowfall while Sinthon Top recorded 3-4 inches snowfall.
The weather is expected to remain wet till today,i.e, Saturday following which the weather will remain dry for the next 10-15 days. Meteorological department (MeT) officials predicted cloudy weather with intermittent light rain at many places of Jammu & plains of Kashmir.
“Light snow (1-2 inches) likely (50% chance) in plains of Kashmir during 9th Night-10th Forenoon whereas few higher reaches may receive 4-6 inches of snow particularly over Gulmarg, Sonamarg-Zojila-Gumri axis, Razdhan Pass, Sadhna pass, Mughal road and sinthan pass,” the MeT officials said.
The MeT further said that there is no forecast of any major snow during this spell. It further said that there will be slight respite from the cold during the next 2-3 days.
“Dry weather is expected thereafter till 18th December with occasionally cloudy and light snow over higher reaches of Ganderabal, Kupwara and Bandipora during 12th late night,” MeT officials said.
The MeT aso issued advisory, saying that there may be temporary disruption in surface transportation over Sinthan Top, Mughal Road, Razdan pass, Bandipora-Gurez, Zojila during the above period.
Meanwhile, the snowfall has also led to the closure of some vital roads and highways in Kashmir.
The movement of vehicles inside Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, also known as Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee Tunnel, was restored after remaining suspended for around 4 hours on Friday due to power shutdown, officials said.
Officials said that traffic inside the Tunnel was suspended due to a power shutdown.
He said last evening Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL Jammu had informed that the power supply to Ramban, Chenani-Nashri Tunnel and adjoining areas shall remain affected from 12 noon to 3 pm.
He said the power restoration work was started and continued for four hours, following which the traffic movement was resumed.
Meanwhile, SP Ramban, Mohita Sharma in a tweet said: “NH 44 UPDATE: Traffic resumed from Chenani Nashri tunnel.”
The Srinagar-Leh road was closed for vehicular movement after fresh snowfall at Zoji La Pass, officials said on Friday.
An official said that the Srinagar-Leh highway has been closed keeping in view the slippery condition of the road.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir police traffic on its official Twitter handle also confirmed that SSG road & Mughal Road has been closed for vehicular movement.
“Traffic update at 0700 hrs. Traffic plying on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. Mughal road and SSG Road closed for vehicular movement due to fresh snowfall,” Traffic Police tweeted