Weatherman predicts fresh spell of rains, snow

The local meteorological department has predicted a fresh spell of rains and snow in Kashmir from Monday onwards, even as the Srinagar-Jammu highway continues to remain open for one-way traffic. 

A fresh western disturbance is approaching the western Himalayas and “under its influence, we expect scattered light rains to commence over most parts of Jammu and Kashmir by next 24 hours and thereafter the intensity will increase on February 20 and 21”, a Met department official said.

   

There can also be light snowfall over the higher reaches during the next 24 hours, he said.

Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only surface link of Kashmir with rest of world, is open for traffic. 

“Around 6000 vehicles plied on the road today,” inspector general of traffic police Alok Kumar told Greater Kashmir.

About movement of traffic on the highway on Monday, Kumar said the decision will be taken on Monday morning. 

“There is a prediction of rains,” he said, urging the intending travelers to contact traffic control units in Srinagar and Jammu to know the status of the highway on Monday morning.

On the other hand, the divisional administration Kashmir issued a fresh avalanche warning for nine avalanche-prone districts of Kashmir and Ladakh divisions, including Anantnag, Kulgam, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kargil and Leh.

The deputy commissioners of all these districts have been asked to advise the people living in avalanche-prone areas not to venture out during the aforementioned period to avoid loss of lives, an official spokesman said.

Meanwhile, in view of inclement weather forecast, the Kashmir divisional administration ordered deferment of re-opening of colleges after winter vacations. “All colleges across Kashmir division, scheduled to re-open Monday after winter vacations, will now re-open on Thursday (February 21),” divisional commissioner Kashmir said in a statement.

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