KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Jan 16: As Kashmir received a fresh snowfall in the morning on Wednesday, the weatherman here has predicted highly dynamic weather conditions across the Valley till January 23.
The fresh snowfall in this morning across the Valley disrupted the normal life in Kashmir with surface traffic remaining suspended for a day while as the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained open despite the snowfall.
Authorities in Srinagar Airport told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the flights to and from Srinagar were suspended in view of the prevailing weather conditions as well as the poor visibility.
Officials said that flights will be operational once the weather conditions and visibility will improve. Moreover, the commuters find it difficult to drive on roads due to the slippery conditions of roads triggered by the fresh snowfall. Various vehicles were seen skidding on the roads amid fresh snowfall here.
The Traffic Police City Srinagar also said that due to fresh snowfall, all roads in City Srinagar have become slippery and issued an advisory to the commuters in this regard.
“Commuters are advised to drive slow, avoid sudden brakes, avoid fast turning, avoid overtaking, follow traffic rules, minimize use of two-wheeler and keep distance,” Traffic police City Srinagar said.
The officials also asked the people to call on TRPC: 0194-2450022, Toll Free No. 18001807091 and SSP (T) Office: 0194-2455179 in case of any assistance.
However, Director of Meteorological department (MeT), Sonum Lotus said that the light rains as well as snowfall was predicted by the department earlier. “The reports of moderate snowfall were received from some places in Kashmir today,” he said.
He added that the weather would remain mostly cloudy in Kashmir from Jan 18-19, saying that from Jan 19 evening onwards; there is possibility of light rains and snowfall at isolate places.
Lotus further added that the MeT has predicted highly dynamic weather till Jan 23 in Kashmir. “From Jan 20-23, there is possibility of moderate rains and snowfall across the Valley,” he said, adding that the surface as well as the road traffic would also get affected due to the snow spell.
Meanwhile, the state administration claimed to have adequate measures to ensure basic facilities and road clearance during and in the aftermath of fresh snowfall.
The top officials held a series of meetings so far to finalize arrangements in this regard.
The respective district administrations have also asked the officials to gear up for the fresh snow spell as predicted by the Meteorological department.