Heavy snowfall from Jammu and Kashmir to Uttarakhand, 535 roads closed in Himachal; flights cancelled at Srinagar airport

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): From Jammu and Kashmir to Uttarakhand, the mountainous regions are witnessing intense snowfall, bringing both scenic beauty for tourists and serious difficulties for local residents. In several hill areas, two to three feet of snow accumulation has disrupted essential services. In the plains of Jammu and Kashmir, around one foot of snowfall has been recorded, while higher altitude areas have received up to three feet, worsening the situation.

Due to landslides, fallen trees and heavy snow, many highways and link roads have been closed. Temperatures in several regions have dropped below freezing point. According to the Public Works Department (PWD), heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh has led to the closure of 535 roads, including four national highways. Snow-clearing operations are underway on a large scale.

On Friday, continuous rain and snowfall forced authorities to shut the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44). Traffic movement was also stopped at Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur. Heavy snowfall was reported in Baramulla, Budgam, and the hill resort town of Batote in Ramban, covering the entire region in a thick white blanket.

Air travel has also been severely affected. Srinagar Airport, along with IndiGo Airlines, announced the temporary suspension and cancellation of several flights due to adverse weather conditions.

Srinagar Airport advised passengers through social media to check their flight status with airlines before heading to the airport, citing poor weather in Srinagar and NOTAM restrictions at Delhi Airport as reasons for cancellations.

Meanwhile, rescue operations are ongoing in Ramgarh–Mukteshwar and Dhanachuli Bend areas, where vehicles and passengers were stranded. Rescue teams used JCB machines to clear snow from roads and safely evacuated around 20 to 25 vehicles.