Hail storm wreaks havoc in south Kashmir, rains lash Valley
IMD issues weather alert for JK, predicts widespread rain and snowfall
Srinagar: Rains lashed different parts of Valley on Friday, while the hailstorm wreaked havoc in south Kashmir, reports said Friday.
Amidst two -day yellow and orange alert issued by the MeT Department the parts of Kashmir including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir were lashed by the rainfall from late afternoon.
Reports of hailstorms in south Kashmir areas in Shopian district were also received, causing extensive losses to the orchardists and fruit growers.
Meanwhile, MeT said that the next three days upto April 21, would likely witness more rains and snow across Jammu and Kashmir stating that an active Western Disturbance would likely affect the region, bringing widespread light to moderate rain in plains and snow in the higher reaches.
The MeT has issued a warning of heavy rain, snowfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds across Jammu and Kashmir from April 18 to April 20, with peak intensity expected between the night of April 18 and late night of April 19.
The Pir Panjal range in Jammu and upper regions of Kashmir—especially Anantnag-Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg-Zojila, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass—are expected to receive heavy precipitation, read the advisory.
The advisory warns of strong winds reaching 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60–70 kmph, along with the possibility of hailstorms and lightning. The adverse weather may cause significant disruption to surface transport, particularly on the Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh National Highways and other major roads in hilly areas.
The MeT has also cautioned about risks of landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, and a rise in water levels in rivers and streams. Waterlogging in low-lying areas is also expected. Farmers have been advised to suspend all agricultural operations from April 18 until the afternoon of April 21.
Notably, tThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued a fresh weather advisory predicting a spell of intense weather conditions likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir from April 18 to April 20, 2025.
As per the advisory shared with the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, an active western disturbance is expected to bring widespread light to moderate rain and snowfall, particularly over the higher reaches of the region, with peak activity forecast from the night of April 18 till late night April 19.
The IMD has specifically warned of heavy rain and snow over the Pir Panjal Range in the Jammu Division and in the middle and higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley. Areas likely to be most impacted include Anantnag-Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg-Zojila, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass. These regions are expected to witness intense precipitation along with thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour.
The advisory also expresses concern over potential disruption to surface transport, including the vital Jammu-Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh national highways. Given the forecast, road connectivity to several hilly and remote areas may be affected due to snow accumulation, reduced visibility, or incidents of landslides and shooting stones.
Furthermore, the IMD has advised farmers across the Union Territory to suspend all agricultural activities from April 18 until the afternoon of April 21. The warning comes amid apprehensions of damage to standing crops and infrastructure due to adverse weather conditions. A rise in water levels in local rivers, streams, and nallas has also been anticipated, increasing the risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to minimize public inconvenience and ensure safety. The administration has issued specific instructions for road maintenance teams and emergency services in vulnerable districts. (with inputs from KNO, KNT)
