Weather Update: MeT Forecasts Heavy Snowfall in Kashmir From Friday.

In the latest weather update the weather department has predicted ‘heavy snowfall’ in the Valley on January 7 and 8.

A meteorological department official said on Wednesday that widespread rain and snow with heavy to very heavy snow (above 2 feet over higher reaches) occurred since Tuesday. He said a “significant decrease” in precipitation was expected from Wednesday evening.

“Expect another (heavy to very heavy) spell during January 7-8th,” he said, adding, “People are once again requested not to venture in avalanche prone areas as our data shows that most avalanches are triggered during intense heavy snowfall.”

According to reports, incessant rains in plains and snowfall in upper reaches affected life in Kashmir Valley on Wednesday, as the day temperature also dipped sharply.

In this capital city, the downpour led to water logging at various marketplaces and residential colonies putting people to inconvenience. People in many areas also complained of erratic power supply.

The 272-km long Jammu-Srinagar highway was also closed for traffic after incessant rains and snowfall triggered mudslides and shooting stones near Cafeteria morh and Chanderkote in Ramban district.

According to reports, At least 500 heavy motor vehicles were stranded at many places along the highway including, Qazigund, Banihal, Ramban, Ramsoo, Batote, Patnitop, Nagrota and Udhampur.

Besides Banihal highway, Mughal Road, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri and Kishtwar-Sinthan road continued to remain closed for vehicular movement as a precautionary measure following the slippery conditions of the roads