Srinagar, Jan 23 (JKNS): The prolonged dry spell across Jammu and Kashmir finally snapped as a spell of rain, strong winds and widespread snowfall lashed large parts of the Union Territory, throwing normal life out of gear and severely affecting power supply, transport and essential services.
Officials told news agency JKNS that the fresh western disturbance set in late Thursday evening with powerful gusty winds, followed by snowfall initially in north Kashmir and parts of Shopian in south Kashmir, while light to moderate rain occurred in several other areas during the night.
Much of the Valley was covered in a thick blanket of snow by Friday morning, forcing closure of roads, suspension of flights and disruption of daily activities. High-speed winds damaged electric infrastructure, plunging many areas into darkness and hampering restoration work.
Officials said at least seven flights to and from Srinagar Airport were cancelled on Friday morning due to snowfall, poor visibility and operational restrictions, including a NOTAM at Delhi Airport. Both arrivals and departures were impacted.
Passengers were advised to confirm flight status with airlines before leaving for the airport, while authorities said operations would resume gradually depending on weather conditions.
According to traffic authorities, vehicular movement on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was suspended in both directions after fresh snowfall near the Navyug Tunnel. Other key roads, including Mughal Road, SSG Road and Sinthan Road, were also closed due to snow accumulation.
Commuters were urged to avoid travel and follow official traffic advisories, as clearance operations continue.
The snowstorm and windstorm caused unprecedented disruption to the power network. Managing Director KPDCL, Mehmood Shah, said power load dropped drastically to as low as 93 MW late Thursday night, compared to the normal average of around 1,650 MW.
He said rooftops were blown onto power lines, damaging 33 kV and 11 kV feeders and complicating restoration. At one stage, over 100 out of 135 33 kV lines and nearly all 11 kV feeders were down.
“Restoration began early Friday morning as per SOPs, and by evening nearly 80% of the network was restored, with a load of around 1,050 MW,” Shah said, adding that essential installations were prioritised.
He said Shopian, Kulgam, Baramulla and Budgam were among the worst-hit districts, with snow accumulation of up to 4.5 feet in higher reaches hampering movement of repair teams. Damage to a transmission tower at Sheeri on the 132 kV Delina–LJHP line has also delayed restoration, with JKPTCL deploying an Emergency Restoration System.
KPDCL said full restoration is being targeted at the earliest, with teams working on a war footing.
Meanwhile, heavy snowfall caused widespread damage in Uri and Boniyar areas of north Kashmir. Reports reaching JKNS said at least five houses and a cowshed were damaged, while fruit-bearing trees suffered major losses, impacting horticulturists.
A walnut tree also fell on a private school building in Nambla, causing damage. Power, water supply and road connectivity remained affected, while the Uri–Baramulla road was blocked at several locations due to landslides.
Authorities said damage assessment is underway and relief measures will follow.
Weather observers termed the event as among the most intense snowstorms of the season, with two to five feet of snow recorded in higher reaches of Shopian, Budgam, Pulwama, Kulgam, Kupwara and Baramulla within a short span of around 15 hours.
In a rare occurrence, snowfall was reported below 1,000 metres in Karnah Valley’s Seemari–Teetwal belt, while snow was also recorded in Muzaffarabad after nearly a decade.
The MET Department said gusty winds touched 155 kmph in Shopian and over 80 kmph in Srinagar, while heavy rainfall was recorded in Jammu, Udhampur and Katra. Snow depth reached 55 cm in Shopian and 45 cm in Gulmarg.
The department forecast light to moderate rain and snow till Friday evening, with improvement from Saturday morning. Another spell is likely around January 26–27, and advisories have been issued for possible landslides and travel disruption.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that while the snowfall caused disruption, it remains vital for long-term water security of the Valley. He said electricity supply had dropped sharply due to wind damage but restoration is progressing.
“Our immediate focus is on restoring power, roads and water supply. Snow clearance is being taken up in phases,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that snowfall during Chillai Kalan plays a key role in sustaining water resources during summer. On tourism, he said fresh snowfall, particularly in Gulmarg where over two feet has accumulated, is expected to boost winter tourism.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly adhere to official advisories. (JKNS)
