Jammu, Jan 23: Jammu’s high altitude areas experienced moderate to heavy snowfall on Friday, disrupting traffic and prompting school closures in several hilly districts, officials said. Meanwhile, plains including Jammu city received moderate rainfall, providing relief from a dry spell that had lasted over two months.
The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills recorded its first snowfall of the season, leading authorities to temporarily suspend the yatra. Snow began late Thursday evening in the higher reaches, while intermittent rain continued through the night across the plains, officials added.
Fresh snow accumulated between five inches to over one foot in districts such as Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur, and Kathua. This follows earlier snowfall in the region in late December, bringing renewed relief to residents.
Traffic authorities said vehicular movement on the 270-km Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir to the rest of India, has been halted in both directions near the Navyug Tunnel. Other key routes, including the Mughal Road, Srinagar–Leh Highway, and Sinthan Road, were also closed due to snow accumulation. Commuters have been advised to avoid travel until roads are cleared and declared safe.
In response to the winter conditions, all schools in the hilly districts of Rajouri, Poonch, and Kathua have been ordered closed as a precautionary measure. Police have also set up dedicated helplines at district headquarters to address any emergencies arising from the inclement weather.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and urged residents to stay updated with official advisories before traveling.