SRINAGAR: After this season’s first major widespread snowfall last week, Jammu and Kashmir is once again bracing for heavy snowfall as another western disturbance was set to hit the region Monday evening.The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major advisory, warning that the fresh spell of snowfall could disrupt air traffic and key highways, including the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.In its forecast, the IMD said snowfall was likely to start on the night of Jan 26, preceded by strong winds for a brief period at some places. It said that on Jan 27, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected at most places across Kashmir and the higher reaches of Jammu.The IMD, however, said there is no likelihood of heavy snowfall in the plains of Jammu. On Jan 28, the IMD said, there are chances of light rain at some places and snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir.Sonam Lotus, head of the meteorological centre in Leh, said Srinagar is likely to receive moderate to heavy snowfall. Lotus, who earlier headed the meteorological centre in J&K state, is widely known across Kashmir for his weather forecasts. He said that on Tuesday morning, Srinagar will receive snowfall but the accumulation will not be much. He said there is a possibility of three to four inch of snow accumulation. Last week’s snowfall in the Valley didn’t touch Srinagar city, leading to disappointment among residents.After a prolonged dry spell this winter, the Kashmir Valley and Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions of Jammu witnessed heavy snowfall and severe winds reaching speeds of up to 155 kmph on Friday, which blocked highways, led to flight cancellations, shut down schools, disrupted power supply and left several homes roofless.Despite the disruption, the snowfall brought cheer among people. Youngsters in the areas, including south Kashmir districts which witnessed heavy snowfall, were seen playing in the snow and celebrating the change in weather. Social media in Kashmir was full with snowfall reels. Heavy snowfall has attracted tourists and social media influencers from within and outside the country to Gulmarg, which has come alive once again, with long queues at the gondola as hundreds of tourists thronged the resort to enjoy skiing and gondola rides.CM Omar Abdullah on Sunday also rushed to Gulmarg, took a snow scooter ride and also enjoyed skiing.
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