SRINAGAR: Several regions of Kashmir, including low-lying areas, were blanketed in fresh snowfall, while other parts of the Valley experienced moderate to heavy rainfall on Saturday, officials reported.
Snowfall covered Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama districts, while tourist hotspots Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam also saw a fresh spell. Gurez (Bandipora), higher areas of Kupwara, and remote mountainous regions continued to receive snowfall until late evening, authorities confirmed.
Meanwhile, other parts of Kashmir witnessed light to moderate rain showers, as per meteorological officials. The weather department predicted intermittent light to moderate precipitation across the region, with snowfall expected at higher elevations. Brief showers or snowflakes might continue into Sunday morning, but conditions are anticipated to improve by the afternoon.
The upper reaches of Ramban district, including Jawahar Tunnel top, Mahoo Mangit valley, and the Pir Panjal mountains, also received snowfall. However, despite persistent rains in the Ramban-Banihal sector, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained operational in both directions.
Traffic authorities confirmed that passenger vehicles were allowed to commute from both ends, while heavy motor vehicles (HMVs) were cleared to move from Srinagar toward Jammu. Commuters were urged to maintain lane discipline, avoid reckless overtaking, and refrain from unnecessary halts between Ramban and Banihal, citing landslide risks due to unstable terrain.
On Friday, the Traffic Police issued an advisory, cautioning travelers about forecasted snowfall in hilly regions and intense rainfall along NH-44 in the coming days. Motorists were advised to confirm road conditions before traveling on mountain routes or the national highway.
Subject to favorable weather and improved road conditions, light motor vehicles (LMVs) would continue to be allowed from both directions, while HMVs would be cleared from the Navyug Tunnel (Qazigund side) towards Jammu, depending on road viability.
Security forces were explicitly instructed not to disregard the advisory, as any unsanctioned movement could trigger congestion along the narrow stretches between Nashree and Banihal.
On Friday, vehicular movement on NH-44 slowed down due to HMW breakdowns, single-lane traffic at Dalwas and Mehad, and ongoing four-lane expansion work.
Additionally, several key routes, including Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumari (SSG) Road, Bhaderwah-Chamba Road, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Road, remained shut for traffic due to heavy snowfall and unsafe driving conditions.
