Kashmir valley receives fresh snowfall, rains :Traffic suspended on Jammu-Srinagar highway

The high altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir experienced fresh snowfall and the plains were lashed by non-stop rains and snow , leaving the traffic on the strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway suspended on Wednesday. As per a Traffic Department official, the traffic moving from Jammu towards Srinagar was stopped at Udhampur because of the threat of landslides, especially at Panthiyal and Ramsu in Ramban district.

Non-stop overnight rains in the valley have inundated roads at several places, including the Regal Chowk in commercial hub of Lal Chowk in Srinagar city. A government official said that de-watering is going on at many places. With the help of mobile pumps, the Jammu and Kashmir administration removed the excess water accumulated on the city roads, especially in Lal Chowk and adjoining areas.

On Tuesday, a MeT Department spokesman had warned that there could be widespread light to moderate rain, snow or thundershowers over the Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours which could result in drop in the temperature.

He said that there could be light to moderate rain or snow or thundershowers and the maximum temperature will drop further and settled at 9 degree, six notches below normal in the summer capital during the next 24 hours.However, the minimum temperature will be near normal, he had said.