The India Meteorological Department (IMD) department said on Saturday morning that snowfall and rain activity in Jammu and Kashmir will decrease from today evening and significant improvement will be observed from Sunday. The orange alert forecast is in place, though, in view of the inclement weather.

IMD further said that the current weather forecast is valid for the next 12 hours.

The impact of severe weather on ground and air transport can be felt, and there is also the potential for avalanches or landslides in vulnerable areas.

According to news agency ANI, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed to vehicular traffic for the third day in a row due to persistent rain and snowfall and multiple rock shoots.

Meanwhile, the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine reported fresh snowfall on Saturday morning. The yatra (pilgrimage) continues, but battery car and helicopter services remain suspended.

Srinagar Airport said flights were delayed due to poor visibility due to rain and snow in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Continued snow has reduced visibility at our airport. Snow may continue until 11am. All operations will be delayed. Please be patient,” it tweeted.

In the past few days, the entire Jammu and Kashmir region has been snowing. Earlier Wednesday, Gulmarg (43.4 mm) and Batote (44 mm) had the highest snowfall.

The Jammu AP Department recorded 88.6 mm of rainfall and Katua’s 80 mm of rainfall.

IMD has asked people in the valley not to venture to areas prone to avalanches, because its data shows that the disaster was mainly caused by heavy snow. It is also recommended that people follow the traffic advice and maintain proper ventilation in the room.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times