Heavy snowfall in Himalayan states throws life out of gear!

Fresh and intense snowfall across the Himalayan belt over the past two days has severely disrupted normal life in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Uttarakhand , triggering avalanche warnings, crippling road connectivity, halting air traffic and causing widespread power outages.

In Jammu and Kashmir , authorities issued a high-danger avalanche warning for six districts following continuous snowfall. Avalanches are likely above 2,300 metres in Ganderbal in Central Kashmir and above 2,500 metres in districts including Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Ramban in the Jammu region, as well as Kupwara in north Kashmir. Residents have been advised to avoid movement in avalanche-prone areas over the next 24 hours.

Heavy snowfall and gusty winds also caused a massive disruption to electricity supply in the Valley. Officials said power demand plunged to an unprecedented 93 MW , compared to the normal average of around 1,650 MW , after high-speed winds damaged transmission lines and rooftops collapsed onto feeders. At one point, nearly 95 per cent of 11 kV feeders and over 75 per cent of 33 kV lines were down. Restoration work began early Friday, and by evening, over 80 per cent of electricity supply had been restored, with priority given to hospitals and essential services.

Air connectivity was badly hit as well. Flight operations at Srinagar airport were suspended for a day after heavy snow accumulated on the runway. Services resumed on Saturday morning after the Airports Authority of India, in coordination with the Border Roads Organisation, cleared the apron and taxiways. Several flights were cancelled or delayed due to poor visibility, adverse weather and NOTAM restrictions at Delhi.

In Himachal Pradesh , snowfall brought daily life to a near standstill. According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 565 roads , including two national highways — Leh–Manali (NH-03) and Kaza–Gramphu (NH-505) — were closed. The tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti was the worst affected with 292 roads blocked . The snowfall also damaged power infrastructure, with nearly 4,800 transformers disrupted, leaving thousands of households without electricity.

The state recorded its first major snowfall of the winter , ending a nearly three-month-long dry spell. Kothi near Manali received 15 cm of snow , while Keylong, Kufri, Jubbal and Manali also recorded significant accumulation. District administrations have launched snow-clearing operations and urged residents and tourists to avoid non-essential travel.

In parts of Uttarakhand , heavy snowfall and rain disrupted power supply and road movement in several hill districts, stranding locals and tourists in interior regions. Authorities issued advisories warning of slippery roads, reduced visibility and the risk of landslides in higher altitudes.

The impact extended to the northern plains, where cold winds and rainfall triggered a sharp temperature drop. The India Meteorological Department attributed the extreme conditions to a strong Western Disturbance , forecasting continued snowfall in higher reaches and cold wave and dense fog conditions across large parts of north India over the next two days.

With winter tightening its grip, disaster management agencies across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Uttarakhand remain on high alert, urging people to stay indoors, follow official advisories and avoid travel in vulnerable mountainous zones.