Jammu & Kashmir Braces for 36-Hour Weather Fury: Snowfall, Rains, and Gusty Winds Forecast
The meteorological department has issued a significant weather alert for Jammu and Kashmir, forecasting widespread rain, gusty winds, and snowfall at various locations over the next 36 hours. This severe weather pattern is attributed to a strong western disturbance affecting the region, which has already caused substantial disruption, including flooded roads in Srinagar as of Friday.
Current Weather Conditions and Immediate Impact
On Friday, heavy rains lashed Srinagar and other districts, leading to waterlogged roads that severely hampered the movement of both pedestrians and vehicles. Officials reported at least five road accidents due to slippery conditions, highlighting the immediate dangers posed by the inclement weather. Concurrently, higher reaches of Kashmir, such as Mughal Road in Shopian and Sadhna Top in Kupwara, experienced fresh snowfall, adding to the region's weather woes.
Detailed Weather Forecast and Advisory Issued
The MeT department has warned that "erratic weather conditions" are likely to persist until April 10. Specifically, on April 4, the weather is expected to remain cloudy with moderate to heavy rainfall in the plains and snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir. For April 5 and April 6, although cloudy conditions will continue, only light rainfall is anticipated at isolated places.
In response, the district administration in Srinagar has issued a public advisory, alerting residents to inclement weather and wind speeds of 40–50 kmph until the evening of April 4. The advisory explicitly states: "The general public of district Srinagar is hereby advised to avoid unnecessary movement on roads except in cases of absolute necessity."
Safety Precautions and Specific Warnings
Authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and adhere to safety precautions, particularly in Srinagar where conditions are most severe. The advisory extends specific warnings to various groups:
- Tourists and Local Operators: Tourists, local shikara operators, and others around Dal Lake, Jhelum River, and other water bodies are strictly advised not to venture out or operate without verifying prevailing conditions and safety status.
- Workers Near Water Bodies: Miners and individuals working near water bodies are instructed to exercise extreme caution and avoid risk-prone activities to prevent accidents.
Overall, authorities are calling for heightened vigilance, necessary precautions, and cooperation with officials to ensure safety during this adverse weather period. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and prioritize safety above all else as the western disturbance continues to impact the region.
