A powerful Western Disturbance that swept across Jammu and Kashmir has left behind a thick blanket of snow in the Kashmir Valley and widespread rainfall in Jammu, severely disrupting daily life, transport, and essential services across the Union Territory. While the system has now moved out, meteorologists have forecast a brief spell of dry weather over the next 48 hours, offering some relief and a window for restoration work.
Heavy Snowfall Lashes Kashmir Valley and Parts of Jammu
The intense weather system brought moderate to heavy snowfall from Thursday night, with several districts recording fresh accumulation during the intervening night. Areas including Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla, Budgam, Bandipora, and Kishtwar witnessed several more inches of snow after Friday’s heavy spell.
In a rare occurrence, Rajouri town also experienced snowfall—something officials said had not happened in nearly a decade. Weather experts attributed this unusual phenomenon to a strong cold air mass linked to the Western Disturbance, which caused temperatures to plunge sharply even in traditionally warmer regions of the Jammu division.
Temperature Dip and Dry Weather Forecast
According to meteorological officials, the Western Disturbance has now exited the region, and weather conditions are expected to remain largely dry for the next two days. This dry spell is expected to aid snow clearance operations, restoration of power and water supply, and reopening of key transport routes.
However, forecasters have cautioned that another Western Disturbance is likely to approach from Monday afternoon, January 26. This upcoming system may again bring light to moderate rain and snowfall to parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in higher reaches.
Jammu–Srinagar Highway and Major Roads Closed
The fresh snowfall and continuous rain have forced authorities to close several critical road links. A traffic official confirmed that the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), Mughal Road, SSG Road, and Sinthan Road remain closed due to slippery conditions, snow accumulation, and landslides.
Movement on NH-44 was halted at multiple points, including Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur, as a precautionary measure. Officials have advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow updates issued by Traffic Police and Traffic Control Units. People have also been urged not to rely on rumours circulating on social media.
Air Traffic Hit, Srinagar Flights Cancelled
Air travel was also badly affected by the adverse weather. Several flights to and from Srinagar Airport were cancelled on Saturday morning. Airport authorities said at least seven flights were called off due to unfavourable weather conditions in Srinagar and a NOTAM in force at Delhi Airport.
Passengers were advised to check the latest flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport. Officials expressed regret over the inconvenience caused but stressed that safety remained the top priority.
Hill Resorts Paralysed by Incessant Snowfall
In the Jammu province, famous hill resorts such as Patnitop, Nathatop, Sanasar, and Batote witnessed continuous snowfall for the second consecutive night. Areas including Banihal, Gool, and surrounding regions also saw heavy snow, bringing normal life to a standstill.
Markets in Batote town of Ramban district remained largely deserted for the second day, forcing several shopkeepers to keep their shutters down. With NH-44 and NH-244 blocked, supply chains and mobility were severely affected.
Despite the hardships, tourists—especially snow enthusiasts—were seen enjoying the fresh snowfall wherever access was possible. Children were spotted playing snow games, adding a moment of cheer amid the disruption.
Power and Water Supply Disrupted Across Districts
The long-awaited snowfall has also led to widespread disruption of electricity, water supply, telecommunications, and surface transport. The Ramban district administration appeared unprepared for the intensity of the snowfall, with insufficient snow-clearing machinery and limited manpower from the Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Jal Shakti Vibhag.
Several remote tehsils, including Batote, Banihal, Gool, Ukhral, and Rajgarh, remained cut off from the Ramban district headquarters for the second consecutive day.
Heavy Snowfall in Doda’s Bhalesa Area
In the Bhalesa region of Doda district, heavy snowfall continued for over 24 hours, with temperatures dipping below the freezing point. Authorities recorded nearly one foot of snow in the plains, while upper reaches received two to three feet.
Due to blocked roads, fallen trees, and landslides, all essential services were badly hit. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gandoh advised residents to stay indoors as a safety measure. Only emergency services have been permitted until conditions improve.
Power Demand Drops Sharply, Restoration Underway
The severe weather caused an unprecedented drop in power demand across the Jammu division. JPDCL officials said electricity demand fell sharply to around 140 MW at approximately 4:00 am due to outages and reduced consumption.
Following sustained restoration efforts, the running load has been gradually increased to 891 MW, compared to the normal average of around 1,150 MW. At the sub-transmission level, 161 out of 181 66/33 kV lines have been restored. At the distribution level, 740 out of 1,373 11 kV feeders are now operational.
Restoration work in snow-bound and remote areas remains challenging due to inaccessibility. The worst-affected districts include Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Kishtwar, and Samba, particularly higher and interior regions. In Jammu district, heavy rain, strong winds, and uprooted trees damaged high-tension and low-tension power lines.
High-Danger Avalanche Warning Issued
Amid fresh snowfall, authorities issued a high-danger avalanche warning for six districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials warned that avalanches are highly likely above 2,300 metres in Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir over the next 24 hours.
A similar high-danger avalanche threat exists above 2,500 metres in districts including Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, and Ramban in the Jammu region, as well as Kupwara in North Kashmir. Residents and travellers have been strongly advised to avoid avalanche-prone areas and follow official advisories.
Outlook: Caution Advised Despite Temporary Relief
While the brief dry spell is expected to bring some relief and accelerate restoration efforts, authorities continue to urge caution. With another Western Disturbance forecast to approach soon, officials remain on high alert to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.
As Jammu and Kashmir battles one of the season’s most intense weather spells, coordinated efforts by administration, power utilities, and disaster management agencies remain crucial to restoring normalcy across the region.
