Heavy snowfall and rainfall have severely impacted northern India, causing widespread disruptions. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Shrinagar-Jammu national highway is blocked, leaving over 20,000 vehicles stranded. Districts like Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama also face traffic snarls and rainfall has affected Lahaul Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur, prompting rescue operations and weather alerts across the region.
Himachal Pradesh weather conditions
Heavy rainfall and snowfall have been reported across several districts of Himachal Pradesh, including Lahual Spiti, Chamba, Kangara, Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the state, warning of continued heavy snowfall and cold wave conditions on December 27 and December 28. These weather changes, under the influence of a western disturbance, are bringing significant disruption to daily life, particularly in higher altitudes.
The weather has caused substantial traffic problems, with the Solang Nala region witnessing a dramatic incident. Approximately 1,000 vehicles got stuck in the snow-covered roads, prompting the Kullu Police to initiate a large-scale rescue mission. “Due to fresh snowfall on December 27, 2024, about 1,000 vehicles have been rescued by Kullu police and relocated to safer areas. The rescue operation is still ongoing.” Kullu police had shared in an update on social media.
The ongoing snowfall and the resulting cold wave have left many roads in the region impassable, with authorities urging residents and travelers to remain cautious. The IMD has predicted more snow and cold wave conditions for the coming days, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Whether conditions in Jammu and Kashmir
The intense weather system is not limited to Himachal Pradesh. Jammu and Kashmir also received heavy snowfall on December 27, causing traffic disruptions and challenging rescue efforts in the region. The snowfall began in the higher reaches of Kashmir in the morning, with Srinagar and other lowland areas witnessing snowfall later in the day. In Shrinagar city, officials recorded around three inches of snow, marking the season’s first snowfall.
The severe weather has particularly impacted key roads. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway was severely affected by the heavy snow, with over 2,0000 vehicles stranded along the route. Other parts of the region, including Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama, also saw snowfall, causing widespread traffic disruptions.
Popular tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, such as Gulmarg, Somamarg, and Pahalgam, also experienced heavy snowfall, adding to the travel chaos. Many roads, including the Mughal Road and Sadhna Top, were closed due to snow accumulation making access to these areas difficult.
Ongoing weather warnings
The IMD had issued an orange alert for both Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, cautioning of more intense snowfall and freezing temperatures in the coming days. The situation remains critical, with authorities urging travelers to postpone journeys to affected areas and urging residents to take necessary precautions.
As rescue operations continue in both states, the weather conditions are expected to stabilize in the coming days. However, the impact on infrastructure, tourism, and daily life in these regions could take time to resolve.