In a major update from Jammu and Kashmir, the vital Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has been declared open after intense snow-clearing operations. Vehicles trapped by the blizzard are being evacuated on priority, restoring essential connectivity. Simultaneously, teams at Srinagar International Airport are removing snow to get flights airborne again.
The blockage stemmed from massive snowfall flanking the Nawgam Tunnel on January 23, forcing a complete shutdown. Airport authorities report smooth resumption of flights, except for three Delhi-bound ones axed due to pilot unavailability last Sunday.
Travelers beware: Routes like Srinagar-Leh, Mughal Road, and passes including Sinthan and Razdan remain closed. Essential coordination with the traffic control room is non-negotiable before hitting these roads.
Weather alerts indicate light to moderate precipitation, including snow and rain, from January 26 through 27 across the union territory. Heavier falls, thunder, and high winds are possible in some spots. Farmers must pause fieldwork until January 28, and upland dwellers should steer clear of avalanche-prone slopes.
Overnight lows painted a frosty picture: -1.6°C in Srinagar, -10.2°C in Gulmarg, -6.2°C in Pahalgam. Jammu hovered at 7.1°C, Katra at 6.2°C, Batote at -0.1°C, Banihal at -2°C, and Bhadrawah at -4°C.
After enduring a extended dry spell, this snowfall is celebrated by farmers and horticulturists alike, guaranteeing sustained water flow in rivers, waterfalls, wells, and lakes come summer. The valley’s flatlands welcomed their inaugural snow on January 23, smack in the middle of ‘Chilla Kalaan,’ the intense 40-day winter phase running December 21 to January 30.