Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a fresh spell of inclement weather as a Western Disturbance is set to impact the region from Sunday onwards, bringing widespread rain in the plains and snowfall over higher reaches.

The advisory issued by the Indian Meteorological Department, a copy of which lies with KNO, states that from October 5 to 7, J&K is likely to experience generally cloudy conditions with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at most places.

“Light to moderate snowfall is expected over the higher reaches, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain at few places in Jammu division and moderate to heavy rain at isolated places in Kashmir division on October 6,” the advisory states, adding, “On October 8, a brief spell of light rain may occur at a few places, while October 9–14 is expected to remain generally dry across Jammu and Kashmir.”

Meanwhile, Independent weatherman Faizan Keng said that the effect of the Western Disturbance will become noticeable from Sunday evening, intensifying from Monday onwards. “Plains are likely to receive light to moderate rain, while higher reaches will witness snowfall which may lead to closure of key mountain passes including Sinthan Top, Zojila Pass, Margan Top and Sadhna Top,” Keng said.

He added that upper reaches of South Kashmir may witness 6 inches to 1.5 feet of snowfall, while North Kashmir’s upper reaches could record nearly a foot of snow.

The Meteorological Department has issued a detailed advisory for the people and has asked the farmers to suspend harvesting and other agricultural operations between October 5–7.

“There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu division and moderate to heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Kashmir division, accompanied by thunder, lightning and gusty winds. Landslides and shooting stones are likely at vulnerable stretches,” reads the advisory.

“Light to moderate snowfall is expected over the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley, Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal range, with the possibility of moderate to heavy snow over South Kashmir and parts of Chenab Valley,” it added.

Pertinently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had chaired a high-level meeting yesterday at the Civil Secretariat here to review the preparedness of various departments in view of the weather advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre.

The Chief Minister had directed all concerned departments to remain in a state of full readiness to minimize possible damage to fruit crops, ensure uninterrupted supply of essential services and keep all major roads and highways functional during the weather disturbance.

Reviewing the arrangements, the Chief Minister had asked the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to issue timely advisories to farmers and orchardists and ensure the smooth transportation of fruit to terminal markets, particularly during peak harvesting season.

He asked the Public Works Department and national highway agencies, including NHIDCL, NHAI, SAMPARK and BEACON, to keep adequate machinery on standby for snow and debris clearance at vulnerable spots to maintain uninterrupted road connectivity.

Notably, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, also convened an urgent meeting on Thursday with officials from key departments to review preparedness and mitigation plan.

During the meeting, Divisional Commissioner instructed concerned departments to ensure immediate deployment of personnel and machinery at critical locations to facilitate swift snow clearance.

He stressed the importance of completing the tendering process for the winter snow clearance plan by October 31, and directed the deployment of trained and experienced machinery operators to avoid damage to road infrastructure. He urged use of High Molecular Weight Polyethylene plastic in snow ploughs to enhance efficiency and minimize road wear. (KNO)