Fresh snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir, rain lashes plains

Several areas in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Saturday while the plains were lashed by rain, causing a dip in the temperatures across the Valley. According to weather officials, snowfall was recorded in Tulail and Razdan Top areas of Gurez valley in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, Peer Ki Gali in south Kashmir’s Shopian, Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway and some other areas in the higher reaches. The plains of the valley, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain. “The snowfall and rainfall has also caused a dip in the temperatures,” said the officials. Meanwhile, officials said authorities closed the Bandipora-Gurez road as a precautionary measure. However, the Srinagar- Jammu national highway remained open, while the Mughal Road which connects South Kashmir with Poonch and Rajouri region of Jammu and Srinagar- Kargil road was temporarily closed. Meanwhile, the weather department predicted brief spell of light rain/thundershower at isolated places for June 1 and 2, while from June 4-6, the weather is expected to be generally dry with brief spells of rain and showers towards late afternoon at isolated places. For June 7 and 8, weather officials said brief spells of rain and thundershowers at scattered places towards afternoon are expected. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police said it successfully rescued a stranded passenger vehicle at Sinthan Top in South Kashmir stuck due to fresh snowfall after a distress call was made by one of the passengers. The police team swiftly reached the location and successfully evacuated eight passengers and the driver to safety, despite challenging weather and terrain conditions.

J & K