A view of an area covered in snow following fresh snowfall at Gulmarg, in Baramulla on Friday. ANI Photo
Many areas, especially the higher reaches, of Kashmir received snowfall while rains lashed the plains on Friday, leading to the closure of national highways connecting the valley with the rest of the country
Light to moderate snowfall and rain are going on over the higher reaches at most places of Jammu and Kashmir, the Meteorological Department officials said.
They said light snowfall was recorded in many areas in the plains as well. The higher reaches which received snowfall included the famous tourist destination of Gulmarg, Gurez, Sonamarg, Zojilla Axis, Sadhna Pass, Machil, Pharkian Gali, Razdan Top, Z-Gali, Sinthan Pass, and Margan Top, the officials said.
They said the plains in Kulgam and Budgam also received light snowfall, they added. Most other areas in the plains of the valley were lashed by rains. The inclement weather led to the closure of vital roads connecting various far-off places with Srinagar as well as national highways connecting the valley with the rest of the country, the officials said.
The Srinagar-Jammu national highway the only all-weather road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the world was closed for traffic due to landslides in Ramban, the officials said. They said Mughal Road the valley's alternate road link with Jammu was also closed for traffic.
The Srinagar-Leh highway was shut for traffic due to snowfall and slippery conditions along the Zojilla Axis, the officials said. The Gurez-Bandipora road, as well the Sinthan Top were also closed for traffic due to the accumulation of snow.
The MeT office has said there would be a gradual decrease in precipitation from late afternoon onwards. From November 11 to 17, the weather would stay mainly dry with warmer days, according to the forecast.
Gulmarg is one of the most incredible tourist destinations, famous for its eye-catching view during the snowfall season as well as the season of lupine flowers, which usually begins in mid-June and lasts until the end of July.
Apart from its breathtaking beauty, Gulmarg is also famous for winter sports. In addition to being the most popular tourist destination, it is also a skiing destination.
In February 2022, the world's largest igloo cafe was opened in Gulmarg, grabbing the eyeballs of tourists. In 2023, a glass igloo restaurant was developed by a private entity in Gulmarg.
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