• Man injured in Sumbal as tree falls amid gusty winds
• Poonch recorded highest rainfall at 50.5 mm
• Gurez-Bandipora, Mughal Road, SSG route closed
• BRO rescues stranded commuters
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Fresh snowfall in the upper reaches and widespread rainfall across the plains disrupted normal life in Kashmir on Monday, forcing the closure of key roads, stranding hundreds of vehicles, and triggering a sharp dip in temperatures across the Valley.
Officials said higher reaches, including Gurez, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, received light to moderate snowfall, while intermittent rain and gusty winds lashed most parts of the plains, including Srinagar and adjoining districts.
The fresh spell of snow led to the closure of several strategic routes. The Gurez-Bandipora road was shut due to snow accumulation, while the Mughal Road was closed following fresh snowfall at Peer Ki Gali, leaving around 200 vehicles stranded at multiple locations.
Authorities said stranded passengers, including women, children and patients, have sought assistance as efforts were underway to restore connectivity.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) launched a rescue and clearance operation, successfully evacuating around 20 vehicles at Razdan Pass and shifting them to safer locations.
Officials said men and machinery have been mobilised to clear snow and reopen the affected routes at the earliest.
Traffic authorities also suspended movement on the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri (SSG) road due to fresh snowfall, while only one-way traffic is being allowed on the Srinagar-Leh highway between Sonamarg and Kargil, subject to weather conditions. The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road also remains closed due to snow accumulation.
In the plains, gusty winds accompanied rainfall in several areas, including Bandipora, Sumbal and Hajin, adding to the disruption.
In one such incident, a man was injured after a tree fell on him along the Sumbal-Bandipora road amid strong winds. He was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, officials said.
The sudden change in weather led to a noticeable drop in temperatures.
According to the Meteorological Department, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 20.5 degrees Celsius, which is 2.2 degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 10.2 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg recorded a maximum of 11.0 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 2.0 degrees Celsius, reflecting cold conditions in higher altitudes.
Rainfall data indicated intense activity in parts of Jammu division, particularly in the PirPanjal region. Poonch recorded the highest rainfall at 50.5 mm, followed by Rajouri at 45 mm. Rajpura Mandi in Poonch received 21 mm of rainfall.
In Kashmir Valley, moderate rainfall was recorded at several locations, with Baramulla registering 13.5 mm, Srinagar’s Rambagh station 12.0 mm, and Pahalgam 11.0 mm.
Gulmarg received 10.0 mm, while Harran in Budgam recorded 8.0 mm and Sonamarg 7.0 mm. Lighter rainfall was observed in parts of south Kashmir, including Pulwama (4.5 mm) and Larnoo in Anantnag (2.5 mm). In Jammu division, Reasi recorded 6.0 mm, while Kathua received 2.0 mm.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that prevailing weather conditions will prevail during the next 36 hours.
He said generally cloudy conditions with spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at most places, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph at isolated locations.
“A brief spell of light rain and thundershowers is expected at scattered places across the region on May 5, particularly towards the afternoon hours,” he said.
Dr Mukhtar said from May 6 to 9, weather conditions are likely to remain generally dry, although brief showers during afternoon hours at isolated locations cannot be ruled out.
Authorities have issued an advisory urging people to avoid travel on vulnerable routes and to stay away from weak structures and power lines.
Farmers have been advised to suspend agricultural operations till May 5 in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
