Srinagar, Oct 15 : The season’s first snowfall has covered several higher-altitude areas of Kashmir, prompting authorities to temporarily close the Mughal Road connecting Shopian with Poonch. Fresh snowfall was reported from Machil, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gurez and other mountainous areas, while rainfall continued across the plains.
Officials said the Mughal Road was closed as a precautionary measure after snowfall made the stretch near Peer Ki Gali slippery. Around two to three inches of snow accumulated in the area, leading authorities to suspend vehicular movement to ensure public safety.
Mahroof Choudhary, Sub-Overseer of Traffic on Mughal Road, confirmed the closure and advised travellers to avoid the route until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared. Restoration work will begin once snowfall stops and conditions become favourable.
Meanwhile, Machil in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district also received the season’s first snowfall overnight. However, officials had not provided fresh confirmation regarding the traffic status of the Kupwara–Machil road at the time of reporting.
Snowfall was also reported from Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the Zojila axis, Pahalgam, the Tulail region of Gurez Valley and Razdan Pass in Bandipora district. Rain lashed Srinagar and other low-lying areas, bringing a noticeable drop in temperatures.
The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has forecast generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rainfall at many places across Jammu and Kashmir on October 15. Light snowfall is likely in higher reaches, while thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms may occur at isolated locations.
BuyMapsAccording to the forecast, weather conditions are expected to improve from October 16, with generally dry weather likely between October 17 and 24. However, brief showers cannot be ruled out at isolated places.
The Meteorological Department has advised farmers to safely store harvested apples, paddy and other crops. Travellers and transporters have also been urged to check the latest traffic advisories before travelling through mountain passes and high-altitude roads, where snowfall and slippery conditions may disrupt movement.
