Srinagar, Oct 03 (KNO): Several higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday experienced the season’s first snowfall, while plains, including Srinagar, the summer capital of the region, received light rainfall in the morning.
The season’s first snowfall was recorded in Sinthan Top area of Kishtwar, Affarwat and Sunshine peaks of Gulmarg today.
The weatherman, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), has predicted a brief spell of light rain till tomorrow afternoon amid the cloudy weather conditions. According to him, light to moderate rain, thunder and gusty winds are expected towards late evening.
Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, in a detailed forecast, has mentioned that the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy from October 5 to October 7, saying that intermittent spells of light to moderate rain, thunder, gusty winds are expected, while the higher reaches may experience light to moderate snow.
He said that heavy to very heavy rain is expected at a few places of Jammu division and moderate to heavy rain over isolated places of Kashmir division on October 6.
The director further said that a brief spell of light rain is expected at a few places on October 8, adding that the weather would remain generally dry from October 9 to 14.
Earlier, an advisory was issued, which stated that under the influence of a strong western disturbance, Jammu and Kashmir is likely to receive a three-day wet spell from Saturday evening, while the higher reaches of the region are expected to experience the season’s first snowfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory, forecasting a strong western disturbance, expected to impact Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas from October 4 (Saturday).
The IMD warned that adverse weather conditions could lead to significant disruptions in surface transport, particularly along key routes such as the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh National Highways, as well as other roads in the middle and higher reaches.
There is also a possibility of moderate to severe thunderstorms and lightning, which may be accompanied by strong gusty winds at multiple locations.
The probable impacts also include the possibility of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas.
The advisory has urged farmers across the region to suspend all farming operations between October 5 and 7 to prevent potential damage to crops and equipment.
With heavy rainfall expected over a short duration, authorities anticipate a rise in water levels in rivers, local streams and nallas, which could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Moreover, the district administration Srinagar has issued an advisory, advising people living near the Left and Right Banks of the River Jhelum, including its tributaries and flood channels, as well as nallahs, to stay away from water bodies due to potential safety hazards.
The administration has specifically warned tourists, local Shikara Wallas and sand miners at Dal Lake and River Jhelum not to attempt crossing water bodies without verifying conditions.
For any emergencies, the public can contact the District Emergency Operation Centre Srinagar and the Police Control Room at the following numbers: DEOC Srinagar Landlines 0194-2457543, 0194-2483651, 0194-2457552 WhatsApp Helplines 9103998355, 9103998356 & 9103998357 Police Control Room Srinagar 0194-2477567.
The advisory, issued by the Additional Deputy Commissioner and CEO, DDMA Srinagar, emphasises that the public must adhere to instructions from district authorities to ensure their safety during the forecasted weather conditions.
Authorities, including the Municipal Corporation, Police, SDRF, Transport, PHE, Power Department, and emergency services, have been alerted and instructed to remain prepared.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the preparedness of various departments in view of the weather advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre.
The Chief Minister said all concerned departments must remain in a state of full readiness to minimise possible damage to fruit crops, ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services and keep all major roads and highways functional during the weather disturbance.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, convened an urgent meeting with officials from key departments to review preparedness and the mitigation plan.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner instructed concerned departments to ensure the immediate deployment of personnel and machinery at critical locations to facilitate swift snow clearance.
He stressed the importance of completing the tendering process for the winter snow clearance plan by October 31 and directed the deployment of trained and experienced machinery operators to avoid damage to road infrastructure—(KNO)