Srinagar, April 4 Fresh snowfall was reported in several areas in the higher reaches of Kashmir on Saturday as a strong western disturbance brought rain to the plains, leading to a drop in temperatures, officials said.
The snowfall also led to the closure of many important inter-district roads in Jammu and Kashmir, they said.
The Met Office had warned of brief, intense, heavy showers in isolated areas on Saturday, which could lead to flash floods and landslides in a few vulnerable locations, as well as waterlogging in some low-lying areas.
Sadhna Top and other higher reaches in Kupwara, the Mughal Road in Shopian, the Margan Top connecting Anantnag with Kishtwar, and the Razdan Top, Gurez, and Tulail in Bandipora district, received fresh overnight snowfall.
The Affarwat mountain in Gulmarg, the Sonamarg-Zojila axis, and some other hilly areas of the valley also received snowfall.
The plains of the valley, including the summer capital Srinagar, received rain, they added.
The wet weather led to a drop in the day temperature across the valley, as people had to bundle up to cope with the fresh cold.
The snowfall and rain also led to the closure of several important routes in J-K. The Mughal Road, Sinthan Top, and the Bandipora-Gurez road were closed due to snow accumulation, officials said.
They said that the Srinagar-Leh national highway was closed due to snow accumulation along the Zojila Pass.
The meteorological department said that intermittent light to moderate rain or snow at many places with thunder or hailstorm and gusty winds will continue until late Saturday evening. The weather is expected to gradually improve from the evening, it said.
The Met Office said that there is a possibility of light rain in isolated areas on Sunday and Monday. From April 7 to 8, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain or snow (in the higher reaches) accompanied by thunder and gusty winds at many places. It added that isolated parts of J-K could witness intense heavy rain on April 7-8, warning of potential risks of flashfloods and waterlogging.
Brief spells of light rain or snow (higher reaches) are also possible in scattered places from April 9-11, it said.
From April 12, the weather would remain mainly dry for a few days, it added.
