Heavy snowfall disrupts life across J&K; flights cancelled, highway shut

Although residents of Jammu and Kashmir welcomed the end of the nearly three-month-long dry spell, normal life was thrown out of gear across the Union Territory due to heavy snowfall and incessant rain in all 20 districts.

Except for Jammu and Samba, the remaining 18 districts across the Union Territory received moderate to heavy snowfall on Friday.

While all flights from Srinagar Airport were cancelled on Friday, traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway also remained suspended throughout the day. Schools in some districts were also closed due to the prevailing extreme weather conditions.

Police in multiple districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday activated round-the-clock emergency helplines to assist residents amid severe and rapidly changing weather conditions, officials said.

The dedicated services—established in Ganderbal, Sopore, Awantipora, and Budgam—are intended to provide immediate assistance for incidents such as fallen trees, damaged power lines, blocked roads, and other weather-related emergencies. Authorities urged citizens to use the numbers only for genuine emergencies and to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

Police across districts reminded the public that helplines are meant for urgent assistance only. Citizens were advised to stay indoors where possible, avoid areas with damaged trees and exposed power lines, and report any emergencies immediately using the numbers provided. Local administrations and electricity distribution companies have been mobilised to restore services and clear debris, but officials warned that ongoing gusty conditions and accumulated snow may delay response times in some areas.

All flights from Srinagar Airport cancelled

As the Kashmir Valley witnessed an intense snowstorm resulting in heavy snow accumulation, all flights from Srinagar Airport were cancelled on Friday.

While flight operations remained suspended at the airport, traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway also remained closed due to heavy snowfall in the upper reaches and rain in the lower areas.

The ongoing snowfall severely affected normal life across several districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

"In view of continuous snowfall, accumulation of snow on operational areas and the prevailing forecast of adverse weather en route, all flight operations at Srinagar Airport stand cancelled for the day in the interest of passenger safety," an official spokesperson of the Srinagar Airport said in a post on the airport's official social media handle.

"Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for updates and re-accommodation. We regret the inconvenience caused," the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed widespread snowfall on Friday, covering vast areas under a thick blanket of snow and disrupting normal life across several districts.

Except for Jammu and Samba, all other 18 districts recorded the first major snowfall of the season. Areas close to the Pir Panjal mountain range received heavy accumulation. Shopian district witnessed substantial snowfall, while higher reaches in south and north Kashmir recorded deep snow, severely affecting movement and connectivity.

The heavy snowfall led to the closure of several roads, including major link roads in rural and hilly areas, while traffic movement on key highways remained affected. Power supply was disrupted in many localities after snow-laden trees and strong winds damaged the electricity infrastructure. Restoration work was initiated but remained slow due to prevailing weather conditions.

Educational institutions in several districts remained closed as a precautionary measure, while air and rail services continued to face disruptions owing to snowfall and poor visibility. Rail services on the Banihal–Baramulla section remained suspended.

Residents across the Valley woke up to snow-covered roads, rooftops, and vehicles, while temperatures dropped sharply, intensifying the cold wave. Authorities advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during night hours, and to strictly follow official advisories.

Weather observers said the snowfall was widespread and intense, making it one of the significant snow events of the ongoing winter season. Further precipitation is likely in some areas as the weather system continues to influence the region.

Traffic advisory issued

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic Rural Kashmir, Ravinder Paul Singh, on Friday urged commuters and tourists to strictly adhere to traffic advisories amid heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, warning that unnecessary travel could lead to serious inconvenience and safety risks.

SSP Singh said, "As you can see, it is snowing heavily right now. Around the Navyug Tunnel area, nearly four inches of snow has accumulated, while Banihal and adjoining stretches have recorded more than two feet of snow."

He said the Traffic Police has issued fresh advisories for the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, hilly terrains, and major tourist destinations. "We have released advisories for the National Highway, internal roads, and tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. Heavy snowfall has led to massive accumulation, and road conditions are extremely slippery," he said.

The SSP said traffic on the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway would remain completely suspended for the day.

"Those planning to travel to or from Jammu should strictly follow today's advisory and the daily updates issued by Traffic Headquarters. Travel plans should be made only after checking tomorrow morning's advisory," he said.

He further said that traffic movement from Tangmarg to Gulmarg has been stopped, while only downhill traffic from Gulmarg towards Srinagar is being allowed on priority. "The situation is similar in Sonamarg and Pahalgam stretches, where heavy snowfall is continuing," he added.

SSP Singh said vehicles without anti-skid chains would not be allowed to ply. "Anti-skid mechanisms are mandatory. Without them, no vehicle will be permitted," he said, adding that connectivity has been affected in several areas, including Machil, Tangdhar, Sadhna, Rajdhan, Sinthan Pass, SSG Road, and the Mughal Road.

He appealed to commuters to avoid unnecessary movement. "Roads are slippery, snowfall is intense,e and the forecast suggests similar conditions till tomorrow afternoon. Please stay safe and do not travel unless essential," he said, adding that checkpoints have been established to restrict vehicular movement.