Snowfall Painted Jammu and Kashmir and HP; Flights Canceled, Highways Closed

In a picturesque transformation, snowfall painted Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in white, delighting locals but disrupting normal life. The enchanting scenes came at a cost as flights were canceled, and roads, including national highways, closed for traffic. Here's a glimpse of the snowy spectacle and its impact.

Jammu and Kashmir: Flights Canceled, Highways Closed

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a snowfall that not only captivated onlookers but also halted regular life. Srinagar airport saw all flights canceled, while a landslide in Jammu's Ramban district led to a four-hour closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The disruption left travelers stranded but added a magical touch to the region.

IndiGo Flights Affected, Weather Conditions to Blame

IndiGo, a prominent private carrier, had to cancel six flights, including four to Srinagar and two to Leh, owing to unfavorable weather conditions. The closure of runways in Srinagar and Leh contributed to the flight cancellations, leaving travelers reeling from the sudden change in plans.

Himachal Pradesh: Roads Closed, Reduced Visibility

Himachal Pradesh experienced fresh snowfall, leading to the closure of 475 roads, including five national highways. Reduced visibility affected vehicular traffic as the sky remained overcast throughout the day. Various regions, including Kalpa in Kinnaur, received varying amounts of snow, creating a winter wonderland.

Uttarakhand: Fresh Snowfall and Rain Bring Cheer

Uttarakhand, too, witnessed fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rain in lower areas. Popular destinations like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri were covered in a layer of snow. The snowfall brought joy to apple orchard owners as it promises improved yields for apples, pears, peaches, and other cash crops.

Delhi: Light Rains, Rise in Temperature

In the national capital, light rains graced the morning, offering relief from the ongoing cold spell. The minimum temperature rose to 11.9 degrees Celsius, three notches above the season's average, while the maximum settled at 20.3 degrees Celsius. Different pockets of Delhi experienced rain, providing a pleasant start to the day.

Kashmir: A Thick White Blanket of Snow

Parts of Kashmir witnessed heavy snowfall, prompting the cancellation of all flights at the Srinagar airport. The entire region transformed into a winter wonderland, ending a prolonged dry spell. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway, crucial for connectivity, remained open despite the snowfall, ensuring some normalcy amid the winter magic.

As snow blankets the northern states, the picturesque landscapes bring both joy and disruptions. While flights and roads face challenges, the beauty of the snowfall adds a touch of magic to the region. The locals, tourists, and even apple orchard owners find solace and delight in the winter marvel, as the snow-covered landscapes paint a serene and enchanting picture.