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Kashmir Valley: Due to strong winds and continuous snowfall, normal life across several districts of the  was badly affected on Friday, with both air and surface transport facing major disruptions. The adverse weather conditions were more intense in the southern districts, while central and northern parts experienced a mix of rain and snow. Authorities remained on high alert as essential services, connectivity, and power supply were impacted throughout the region.

Snowfall Intensifies in Southern Kashmir Districts

Reports from the southern districts including Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian confirmed that snowfall began overnight and continued well into the day. The persistent snowfall led to the accumulation of snow on roads, rooftops, and open areas, making movement difficult for residents. Rural areas in particular faced challenges due to limited road access and slippery conditions, forcing many people to stay indoors.

Rain and Snow Affect Central and Northern Areas

In Srinagar, Ganderbal, and other parts of central and northern Kashmir, rainfall dominated the night hours before snowfall began in the early morning. Srinagar city witnessed light to moderate snow, which quickly accumulated in several neighborhoods. The sudden change in weather caught many commuters off guard, adding to traffic congestion and delays during the morning hours.

Air Traffic Disrupted at Srinagar International Airport

Snow accumulation at the Srinagar international airport significantly disrupted air traffic to and from the Valley. Several flights were delayed or canceled as snow clearance machines were deployed to keep the runway operational. Airport authorities worked continuously to ensure passenger safety, but unfavorable weather conditions continued to pose challenges throughout the day.

Major Highways and Mountain Passes Closed

Heavy snowfall on both sides of the Navyug tunnel led authorities to suspend traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, a critical lifeline connecting the Valley with the rest of the country. In addition, vehicular movement was halted on the Mughal Road and the Srinagar-Leh highway. Traffic was also suspended across high-altitude routes such as the Sinthan Pass and Razdan Pass, along with other elevated areas, due to poor visibility and unsafe road conditions.

Travel Advisory Issued for Residents and Tourists

Officials advised travelers to postpone their journeys and avoid unnecessary movement until weather conditions improve. People were urged to rely only on official updates before planning any travel, especially on long-distance or mountainous routes. The advisory was aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring public safety during the ongoing weather disturbance.

Strong Winds Cause Property and Infrastructure Damage

Gusty winds accompanied by snowfall caused widespread damage across the Valley. In several areas, rooftops were blown away, and trees were uprooted, posing risks to life and property. The strong winds also damaged temporary structures and hoardings, further disrupting daily life in urban and semi-urban locations.

Power Supply Severely Affected Across the Valley

The electricity department reported massive damage to transmission lines, particularly the main 33 KV line supplying power from outside the Valley. As a result, electricity remained cut off in many parts of Srinagar city and most rural areas. Engineers and field staff worked round the clock to restore the damaged infrastructure, though restoration efforts were slowed by harsh weather conditions.

Safety Advisory Issued Amid Weather Conditions

Residents were advised to stay away from uprooted electric poles, dangling power lines, and other vulnerable spots. Authorities emphasized caution, especially for children and elderly residents, as the risk of accidents remained high due to slippery roads and damaged infrastructure.

Snowfall Brings Long-Term Relief Despite Short-Term Hardships

Despite the temporary hardships caused by the severe weather, the snowfall was widely welcomed by people across the Kashmir Valley. Locals believe that heavy snow in higher reaches will help replenish water bodies and ensure sufficient water availability during the upcoming summer months. For the people of Kashmir, snowfall is not just a seasonal event but a vital source of ecological balance and natural sustainability, reinforcing the age-old belief that a snowless winter leads to a barren summer.