SRINAGAR: White rooftops, silent runways, locked highways. Fresh snowfall swept Kashmir valley Tuesday, shutting the Srinagar–Jammu national highway, cancelling all flights and stranding hundreds of tourists — but residents and visitors celebrated Srinagar’s first white morning of the season. Kashmir’s winter returned with force, reminding why snow in the region stops life and steals hearts.A second western disturbance draped Kashmir valley and Pir Panjal ranges in snow, reaching Srinagar city in central Kashmir and mountain corridors linking the region to Jammu. Authorities halted all air traffic at Srinagar airport, citing unsafe runway conditions. “Due to adverse weather and continuous snowfall, the runway is not available for safe aircraft operations. All flights to and from Srinagar have been cancelled for the day,” an airport official said, urging passengers to check with airlines as crews monitor conditions.Srinagar city received around 5 inches of snowfall from morning till afternoon, while the upper reaches and surrounding areas were hit harder.Road links snapped. NH44, connecting Kashmir to Jammu, about 300km south, was closed in both directions after heavy snow in Banihal and Ramban. Mughal Road, the alternative route to Poonch district, roughly 100km southwest of Srinagar, and Sinthan Pass, linking the valley to Kishtwar in Chenab valley, about 130km southeast, were also shut.Traffic police advised tourists and locals to follow official travel advisories and asked tour operators not to send cabs onto the highway, citing lack of facilities amid accumulating snow. Trekkers and residents were cautioned against higher reaches due to avalanche risk.The disruption followed a brief reopening of flights Sunday after last week’s extreme weather — winds gusting up to 155kmph and snowfall — blocked highways, cut power, closed schools and ripped roofs across parts of Kashmir, Pir Panjal and Chenab valley.Weather officials expect improvement from Tuesday evening, with light rain possible at some places on Jan 28 and dry conditions likely through Jan 31.Another western disturbance is forecast to arrive on the evening of Feb 1, with widespread rain and heavy snowfall likely over higher elevations of Kashmir and Pir Panjal.For many in Srinagar, untouched by last week’s snow, the morning brought joy. Social media filled with photos of white lanes and houseboats dusted along Dal Lake. In Gulmarg, the ski resort about 50km west of Srinagar, fresh snow added to last week’s base, drawing more tourists and skiers.
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