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J&K Snowfall Disrupts Travel, Power; BRO Works to Restore Airport

Significant snowfall and rainfall have severely disrupted air and road transport in Jammu & Kashmir, leading to the closure of the Srinagar airport and major highways. The Border Roads Organisation is working to clear snow and restore operations at Srinagar International Airport. Gusty winds caused widespread power outages, though over 60% of supply was restored by Friday evening. The MET department forecasts a further temperature drop and another Western Disturbance bringing more snow from January 26.

Key Points: Snowfall Disrupts J&K, BRO Clears Srinagar Airport

  • Flights & highways suspended
  • Power outages across region
  • BRO clearing Srinagar Airport
  • More snow forecast from Jan 26
2 min read

Snowfall in J&K brings roadblocks, power cuts; BRO works to make Srinagar Airport operational

Heavy snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir disrupts flights, highways, and power. BRO works to reopen Srinagar Airport as MET forecasts more snow.

Snowfall in J&K brings roadblocks, power cuts; BRO works to make Srinagar Airport operational
"its men and machinery were working to remove the accumulated snow and ice to make the Srinagar International Airport operational today - Border Roads Organisation"

Srinagar, Jan 24

Significant snowfall and rainfall occurred in Jammu and Kashmir during the last 24 hours. Air and surface transport remained disrupted throughout the day on Friday and the Border Roads Organisation said on Saturday morning that its men and machinery were working to remove the accumulated snow and ice to make the Srinagar International Airport operational today.

No flight operation could take place from the airport yesterday as the Srinagar-Jammu Highway also remained closed.

Traffic was also suspended on the Srinagar-Leh Highway and the Mughal Road yesterday and till now there is no official word on resuming traffic on these highways.

Due to the gusty winds that went ahead of the rain and snowfall in J&K, most of the electricity supply network was disrupted, but the ground staff and engineers of the electricity corporation worked overnight to restore more than 60 per cent of the supply till Friday evening.

The MET department said on Friday that the Western Disturbance (WD) that caused the precipitation has now moved out of J&K.

During the last 24 hours in the Jammu division, Batote recorded 116.8 mm rainfall, Ramban 50, Udhampur 68.8, Bhaderwah 75.4 mm and Banihal 22mm.

In the Valley, significant snow depth was recorded as Gulmarg at 50.8 cms, Kokernag 47, Pahalgam 46 and Qazigund 10 cms.

Minimum temperature was minus 1.4 degree Celsius in Srinagar, minus 12 in Gulmarg and minus 7.6 in Pahalgam on Saturday.

Jammu city had 4.5, Katra town 2, Batote minus 3.8, Banihal minus 4.4 and Bhaderwah minus 3.8 as the minimum temperature today.

MET department has forecast further drop in minimum temperature during the coming days due to frosty winds blowing into the Valley from the snowclad mountains.

Yesterday's snowfall has come as a welcome event for people in J&K as it not only broke the continued dry spell, but also ensured accumulation of enough snow in the perennial water reservoir in higher reaches to sustain various water bodies during the hot summer months.

The MET department has forecast another WD becoming active over J&K from January 26 afternoon till January 28. This is likely to bring in more rain and snow in J&K.

A WD is an extra tropical storm in the Mediterranean region that brings in rain and snow in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The prospects of a good Rabi crop depend upon the activity of the WDs in these countries.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This snowfall is a blessing for the water table, but my heart goes out to the residents facing power cuts and roadblocks. Hope the administration has adequate winter stockpiles in remote areas. The forecast of another WD from 26th means they need to act fast.
R
Rohit P
Good to see the dry spell broken! This snow is crucial for our rivers and agriculture. But honestly, year after year, the same story of disrupted highways and power. Can't we have more resilient infrastructure for these border regions? It's a matter of national security and citizen welfare.
M
Meera T
Thinking of all the tourists stranded there. And the locals... managing daily life at -12°C is incredibly tough. Kudos to the ground staff working overnight. Stay safe, everyone in the Valley! ❄️
D
David E
The data is quite detailed. 116.8 mm rainfall in Batote is significant. It's interesting to learn about Western Disturbances and their role in the Rabi crop. Hope the next WD isn't too severe for the people dealing with the aftermath of this one.
S
Sneha F
My cousin is posted in Srinagar. He says the community really comes together during these times, sharing resources and checking on elders. That's the real spirit of India. Praying for the safety of all, especially those on the highways.

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