Heavy Snowfall Halts Flights, Roads in J&K and Himachal

Heavy snowfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on January 23 brought daily life to a halt, disrupting air travel, road connectivity, and essential services. While the season's first major snowfall transformed the region into a winter spectacle, it also created serious challenges for residents and travellers.

In Srinagar, all flight operations were cancelled due to snowfall, which reduced visibility and covered runways. The crucial Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was also closed for safety reasons, cutting off road access to the Valley. Snow accumulation led to traffic restrictions in several areas, and public transport services remained suspended.

Local authorities reported interruptions in electricity and water supply in some districts due to snow-damaged power lines and pipelines. Emergency teams were deployed to clear roads and restore basic services as weather conditions worsened.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a new western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from January 26, bringing fresh spells of snowfall to higher reaches and rain to lower areas. The department said weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled over the coming days, prompting authorities to issue advisories for travellers.

In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall was reported in popular hill destinations including Shimla and Manali, drawing tourists eager to witness the winter scenery. Snow also covered higher regions of Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kangra, and the upper areas of Shimla and Kinnaur districts.

Officials have urged tourists and locals to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel to high-altitude regions, and stay up to date on weather conditions, as the risk of road closures and avalanches remains high.

With winter conditions intensifying, authorities across both states remain on alert to manage further disruptions caused by snow and harsh weather.