Fresh Snowfall Disrupts Life Across J&K; NH Traffic Hit, Jammu Temperature Drops 7°C Below Normal

Jammu/Srinagar, Jan 22:
Fresh snowfall and rain across Jammu and Kashmir since last night disrupted normal life, affecting road connectivity, power supply, and tourism, while severe cold conditions intensified across the Jammu region.
Popular tourist destinations including Gulmarg, the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Patnitop, and several other areas witnessed fresh snowfall. Meanwhile, the winter capital Jammu recorded a sharp drop in temperature, settling nearly 7 degrees Celsius below normal.
Heavy Snowfall in Key Tourist Areas
The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine received 6–7 inches of fresh snowfall, while Patnitop recorded 8–10 inches till evening. Snowfall continued in several areas including Pancheri, Kud, Latti, Dudu, Basantgarh, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Doda, Banihal, Budhal, Machhedi, and other higher reaches of the Jammu region.
Helicopter and battery car services to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine were suspended due to adverse weather, though restricted on-foot pilgrimage was allowed. However, pilgrim movement remained thin.
Roads Closed, Power Supply Disrupted
Several key roads including Chenani–Kud–Patnitop–Batote, Doda–Kishtwar, Reasi–Mahore, and Mahore–Gool were closed due to snowfall and slippery conditions. Traffic movement was also restricted on the Jammu–Poonch highway and at Dera Gali Pass.
Power supply was snapped in Pancheri, Mongri, Bhamag, Landhar, and Latti–Dudu areas, while BSNL services were also disrupted in some belts.
NH Traffic Likely to Remain Suspended
SSP Traffic National Highway Shabir Malik said traffic disruptions continued on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway due to landslides and shooting stones in Ramban sector. Authorities decided to suspend traffic movement on Sunday, with restricted movement possible only if weather conditions improve.
Weather Update from Kashmir Valley
In Kashmir, rainfall lashed the plains while higher reaches received fresh snowfall. Gulmarg recorded about 12 cm of snowfall with the temperature dipping to minus 6.5°C. Pahalgam, Kokernag, and other areas also reported snowfall and rain.
More Snowfall Expected
The Meteorological Department said a fresh western disturbance is affecting J&K, with widespread rain and snowfall expected on January 22 and 23, particularly over the Jammu Division, Pir Panjal range, and South Kashmir. Authorities have warned of possible landslides at vulnerable spots, especially along major highways.
Kashmir is currently under ‘Chillai Kalan’, the harshest 40-day winter period, which began on December 21.