Heavy snowfall puts life out of gear in Kashmir

Kashmir Valley received heavy snowfall which started early on Friday morning  and continued throughout the day. The snowfall resulted in disruption of electricity and traffic movement.

Due to heavy snowfall, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was closed by authorities this morning.

Reports said nearly a feet snow had accumulated on either sides of Jawahar Tunnel and Banihal while shooting stones were also affecting vehicular movement.

Meanwhile all flights to and fro Srinagar airport were cancelled.

In view of snowfall, Divisional Administration Kashmir Friday issued weather advisory according to which higher reaches of the State are likely to receive heavy snowfall and rains during the next 24-hours.

The weather warning says minimum temperatures in all areas of Kashmir Division will remain below the freezing point which may lead to slippery road conditions.

“Western Disturbance over J&K is likely to affect the State on January 06-07," the communiqué from the administration read.

“There will be moderate to heavy rain and snow in J&K with decreasing rain/snow towards evening in Kashmir on January 06. While as there is forecast of light to moderate rain/snow at few places in the State tomorrow with overall improvement in the weather from Jan. 07 afternoon,” it added.

The concerned Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division have been asked to take all the precautionary measures in their respective districts.

Meanwhile, Kashmir University on Friday postponed all examinations scheduled to be held Saturday and Sunday due to the snowfall in the Valley.

"All Kashmir University examinations, scheduled to be held on January 7 and 8, are postponed. Fresh dates for the deferred examinations shall be notified separately," a spokesman of the university said.

(reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)