Srinagar, Jan 23: Srinagar city and much of Kashmir received the season’s first snowfall on Friday, disrupting air and road traffic, officials said. Over 20 flights at Srinagar Airport were cancelled, while the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Mughal Road, and the Srinagar-Leh Highway were temporarily closed due to snow and rain.
While plains recorded light to moderate snow, higher reaches and tourist resorts experienced heavier accumulation. Downtown Srinagar received up to two inches, the airport recorded three to four inches, Gulmarg saw over two feet, Sonamarg received six inches, and Pahalgam around three inches. Other districts, including Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Shopian, Pulwama, and Bandipora, reported moderate to heavy snowfall.
The snowfall and gusty winds also caused power outages, uprooted trees, and damaged rooftops in several areas. Authorities have deployed personnel and machinery to clear roads and restore electricity. Control rooms and helplines have been set up to assist residents.
The Meteorological Department forecast that snowfall and rain may continue through Friday evening, with the possibility of hail or strong winds in parts of the Pir-Panjal range, Chenab Valley, and south Kashmir. Airport officials said the runway at Srinagar Airport would require at least four hours for clearance after the snowfall stops.
Authorities urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and follow official updates until weather conditions improve.