Winter reloaded

Srinagar, Jan 23: Finally, Chillai Kalan bared its teeth as the seasonís first snowfall swept across the plains of Kashmir, while fresh spells in the higher reaches draped the Valley in white.

After unusually gusty winds on Thursday evening damaged residential and commercial structures, snowfall and rain began across Kashmir and continued intermittently through the night in several areas, marking the end of a prolonged dry spell.

The winds, followed by snowfall, also damaged transmission lines, plunging large parts of the Valley into darkness.

Srinagar received only a thin, non-accumulating layer of snow.

According to weather officials, the summer capital recorded around 40 mm of rain.

However, areas around the airport recorded three to four inches of snow, disrupting flight operations.

Airport authorities said nearly two dozen flights were cancelled due to snow accumulation on the runway.

The snowfall and heavy rain also forced the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar that strong winds had crippled the power system, reducing electricity supply to about 100 MW from the usual 1700 MW.

ìThe entire system has been hit by the winds, but the department is gradually restoring electricity, and supply is expected to resume soon,î he said.

CM Omar said that restoring essential services remained the governmentís priority, with main roads being cleared first, followed by secondary routes.

ìOur immediate focus is on electricity, roads, and water. Other issues will be addressed later,î he said.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said that another Western Disturbance was likely to approach Jammu and Kashmir between the evening of January 26 and January 27, bringing snowfall along with gusty winds.

They said moderate to heavy snowfall is expected in high-altitude areas, while the plains are likely to receive rain.

However, the officials said that wind speeds were expected to remain comparatively low.

The officials said that the gusty winds also led to a rise in temperatures across parts of the Valley.

In central Kashmirís Budgam district, Pakharpora, Charar-e-Sharief, and Beerwah received around 1 to 2 feet of snow, while Sonamarg tourist resort in Ganderbal district recorded 2 feet of snow.

Residents across north and south Kashmir reported light to moderate, and in some areas heavy, snowfall.

In north Kashmir, Baramulla recorded around 1 foot of snow, while Handwara and Kupwara received about 1.5 feet.

The Gulmarg ski resort received roughly 3 feet of fresh snow.

In south Kashmir, the plains of Shopian received 3 to 3.5 feet of snow, while high-altitude areas like Hirpora and Sedow recorded 4 to 5 feet.

Officials said continuous snowfall hampered snow clearance operations.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, told Greater Kashmir that operations were underway but taking longer than expected due to ongoing snow.

ìWe have to repeatedly clear the roads,î he said.

The plains of Pulwama received 3 to 4 inches of snow, while higher reaches like Abhama, Sangarwani, and Achagoze recorded 3 to 3.5 inches.

Officials said snow clearance operations in the district were being carried out at full capacity.

In Anantnag district, the resort town of Pahalgam received around 1.5 feet of snow, while overnight snowfall blocked all high-elevation routes.

Sinthan Top and Margan Top recorded over 1.5 feet, forcing the closure of the Anantnag-Sinthan Top-Kishtwar road.

The Garwan-Margan Top-Warwan road was also closed due to heavy snow accumulation.

In neighbouring Kulgam district, Manzgam received 3 to 3.5 feet of snow, while Aharbal recorded over 4 feet.

Qazigund received 3 inches, while 7 inches accumulated at the Navyug tunnel.