New Delhi: A stunning but disruptive winter storm swept across the northern reaches of India, covering Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Kedarnath in the fresh snowfall on Sunday. However, the picturesque transformation into a winter wonderland brought a significant sudden dip in the mercury in the northern plains including New Delhi.
Gulmarg, the famed ski resort in Kashmir, was particularly affected, transforming into a breathtaking but inaccessible “wonderland” after the snowfall. Heavy snowfall in Gulmarg, Gurez Valley, Karnah, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam caused significant traffic disruptions. The snowfall in the upper reaches of Kashmir resulted in the closure of the Mughal Road, Gurez road, and Sinthan-Kishtawar Road.
#WATCH | J&K: Gulmarg transforms into a winter wonderland as it receives fresh snowfall. pic.twitter.com/KOlMq0ZrcG
— ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2024
Authorities issued urgent advisories urging travellers to avoid these routes until conditions improved and roads were cleared.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had accurately predicted the cloudy weather, light rain in some parts of Jammu, and snow in higher reaches of Kashmir from December 8th to 9th. The weather forecast for the J&K has predicted dry conditions from December 10th to 11th, with a renewed possibility of light snow in isolated higher reaches on December 12th.
Shimla and nearby tourist destinations such as Kufri and Fagu also received their first snowfall of the season, while snowfall in Lahaul and Spiti intensified the cold in surrounding valleys. A thin layer of snow in Lahaul created difficult road conditions, further hampering traffic.
VIDEO | Himachal Pradesh: Fresh snowfall blankets Shimla, creating picturesque winter landscapes.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/f3Wpz3Klus
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 8, 2024
The Met Office issued a yellow warning for dense fog in parts of Bilaspur and Mandi until Wednesday, alongside predictions for rain and moderate snow in several districts. The warning highlighted the potential for reduced visibility during the wee hours.
Kedarnath, home to the revered Kedarnath Temple, experienced intermittent snowfall and rain for several days, with the latest snowfall resulting in intensely cold temperatures. The maximum temperature plummeted to a mere 3 degrees Celsius, while the minimum dropped to a freezing -9 degrees Celsius. The extreme weather caused discomfort for both pilgrims and officials. Earlier snowfall in November disrupted construction projects, particularly those involving cement in the Kedarnath area.
