A strong coldwave engulfed Kashmir valley as intermittent rainfall in plains and snowfall in several upper reaches plummeted temperatures. Vital Srinagar-leh National Highway and Mughal Road have been blocked for vehicular traffic.
The weather system took a turn on Saturday evening as rainfall started throughout the Valley. Reports of snowfall came from Gulmarg, Shopian, Karnah and Gurez. The authorities have already alerted the men and machinery to meet any eventuality due to inclement weather.
Director Meteorological Department Sonam lotus said that light to moderate rainfall will occur for next two days and weather may improve from October 27 onwards. The MeT department predicted landslide and blockage of road in vulnerable areas of the state particularly along Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, Srinagar-leh Highway, Musghal Road and leh-Manali highway. The weather system due to western disturbance is likely to disrupt air transport due to poor visibility.
Reprots said that higher reaches of Shopian including Mughal Road, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Sadhna Top and Razdan Pass experienced fresh snowfall since Saturday. In capital Srinagar, the maximum temperature has plummeted by eight notches below normal.
Srinagar-leh Highway and Mughal Road were closed for the vehicular traffic.