MeT issues ‘Red alert’ as Kashmir receives fresh snowfall

Srinagar : As most parts of Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Friday, the weatherman here has issued ‘Red alert’, predicting heavy to very heavy snowfall and rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir.
Two successive Western Disturbances affected J&K since January 03 evening with Meteorological department (MeT) predicting that the weather conditions in J&K would improve from January 09 morning.
Kashmir parts including the world famous ski-resort, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Srinagar as well received fresh snowfall Friday, bringing down the temperature further.
MeT has issued an advisory, issuing Red alert till January 08 evening, saying that J&K would receive heavy to very heavy snowfall in the next two days following which there is possibility of gradual improvement in the weather conditions from January 09 morning.
The MeT in the advisory said that the surface and air traffic may get affected due to the prevalent weather conditions, adding that the landslides and avalanche may occur at vulnerable spots as well.
It appealed to people not to venture in avalanche prone areas and follow the traffic advisory. It also appealed to people to maintain proper ventilation of rooms.
Meanwhile, Srinagar-Jammu, the only road connecting the Valley with the rest of the States remained closed for vehicular movement as a precautionary measure in wake of the weather advisory.
A top official informed news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the highway would remain closed for the traffic for tomorrow as well.
Moreover, Srinagar-Leh highway has been closed by the authorities till further orders while Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumir road was also closed for the vehicular movement.
Mughal road, which connects Shopian with Poonch-Rajouri districts continued to remain closed for the traffic.
Meanwhile, authorities in Kashmir University postponed UG/PG/Professional exams scheduled on January 08.
“It is notified for the information of all the concerned that due to inclement weather conditions, all UG/PG/Professional exams of Kashmir University scheduled on 8-01-2022 stand postponed,” a statement said.
Fresh dates for postponed papers will be issued separately, Prof Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo, Controller of Examinations said.