Srinagar, Apr 19: A spell of inclement weather gripped Kashmir with widespread rainfall and fresh snowfall reported across various areas on Saturday, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures including road closures, suspension of classes, and halting of Shikara services on the Dal Lake.
The Meteorological Department officials said that rain lashed most parts of Kashmir, including the plains, while higher reaches witnessed fresh snowfall overnight.
Gulmarg received the highest 19.2 mm rainfall, Qazigund 16.4 mm, Pahalgam 11.2 mm, Srinagar 9.7 mm, Kokernag 5.7 mm, Kupwara 5.2 mm, Banihal 3.7 mm, and Batote received the lowest 0.6 mm.
This distribution shows that the heaviest showers occurred in the higher reaches, particularly in the Gulmarg and south Kashmir areas, while some areas in the Jammu division received only light rainfall.
The areas including Sinthan Top in south Kashmir and Tulail and Gurez in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district reported fresh snow accumulation, affecting daily life and transportation.
In response to the weather conditions, traffic on the vital Gurez-Bandipora Road has been suspended due to heavy snowfall.
Citing safety concerns, educational authorities in the affected areas announced the closure of schools up to class 8 in Tulail and up to class 5 in Gurez.
The Meteorological Department said that most parts of the Valley, including Srinagar, experienced thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hailstorms during the night.
These conditions have led to damage to orchards in some areas. The MeT office predicted that light to moderate rain and snowfall were likely to continue across many parts of Kashmir until Sunday evening.
However, some isolated and scattered areas might experience moderate to heavy precipitation, along with thunderstorms and strong winds.
Monday is expected to remain mostly overcast, with chances of light rain and thunderstorms at scattered places.
They said that a dry spell is expected between April 22 and April 28, although cloudy skies might return briefly around April 25.
In light of the weather advisory, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) directed the Shikara operators on the Dal Lake to temporarily suspend services.
SDRF personnel patrolled the lake by motorboat, urging compliance from Shikara operators and highlighting the move as a critical step to ensure the safety of tourists and locals alike.
“This is a preventive measure. With heavy rain, snowfall, and strong winds expected, public safety remains our priority. We appeal for full cooperation,” an SDRF official said.
Farmers across J&K have been urged to halt all agricultural activities until April 21, as the ongoing wet spell increases the risk of damage from landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones – particularly in vulnerable mountainous areas.
Authorities have ramped up preparedness efforts, placing emergency response teams on alert in sensitive districts.
People have been advised to follow all official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and remain indoors during thunderstorms or lightning events.
