The strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway, along with other key roads were closed for traffic on Friday morning due to fresh snowfall while normal life was disrupted by rains in the plains of Jammu.
Officials said that the major hilly parts of Jammu region received the season’s first snowfall after a prolonged dry spell.
They said that the gutsy winds gripped several parts of Jammu region late on Thursday evening, marking the onset of a fresh weather disturbance across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Fresh snowfall covered the Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Poonch belts of Jammu region while light to moderate rains lashed several other areas,” they added.
They said that by this morning, several parts were seen covered under a white blanket of snow, disrupting normal life.
The inclement weather with strong winds, also led to disruption of electricity supply in areas of Jammu while air and road connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir also remained adversely affected.
An advisory issued by the traffic department said that vehicular movement has been stopped in both directions on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway due to fresh snowfall in and around the Navyug Tunnel.
“In addition, the Mughal Road, SSG Road and Sinthan Road have also been closed owing to fresh snow accumulation,” read an advisory.
It further said that people have been advised not to travel on the snow bound roads until they are fully restored and declared safe for traffic.
Authorities have urged commuters not to pay heed to rumours and to verify road status through official Traffic Police channels, including the social media handles.
