Fresh snowfall in Kashmir closes Srinagar-Jammu highway, cancels flights, and prompts avalanche warnings, leaving tourists and residents stranded.

Srinagar : Kashmir woke up to a blanket of fresh snow on Tuesday, as a western disturbance swept across the region, leading to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway and disrupting flight operations.

Most parts of the valley received overnight snowfall, with plains, including Srinagar, seeing light to moderate snow, while higher-altitude areas experienced moderate to heavy accumulation. Popular tourist destinations such as Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam were transformed into winter wonderlands. Snowfall was reported across central, north, and south Kashmir.

The snowfall caused significant disruption to road, rail, and air transport. The Srinagar-Jammu highway was closed between Qazigund and Banihal due to heavy snow, and no vehicles were allowed until snow clearance operations could be completed. Train services between Banihal and Budgam were also affected, with several trains cancelled.

Flight operations at Srinagar airport were suspended due to snow accumulation on the runway, leading to the cancellation of 50 flights—25 inbound and 25 outbound. Airport officials advised passengers to contact their airlines for updates and alternate arrangements.

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The severe weather left many residents and tourists stranded. Police and district administrations set up control rooms and helplines to assist people during the inclement conditions.

The Meteorological Department forecast light to moderate rain or snow across most areas, with chances of moderate to heavy rain or snow accompanied by gusty winds or thunder in some locations until Tuesday evening. Light rain or snow is also expected in a few places on Wednesday.

The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) issued high- and medium-intensity avalanche warnings for eleven districts. High-risk avalanches are expected above 2,000 meters in Ganderbal, while medium-risk avalanches could occur above 2,000 meters in Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramula, Kulgam, Kupwara, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, and Ramban. The warnings remain in effect until Tuesday evening.