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Written by: Mehvish Dilshad

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 03 November 2018

SRINAGAR: Srinagar received fresh snowfall in November third time in 18 years which creates chaos among the commuters due to heavy flow of traffic because of the unexpected snowfall in the city. Srinagar registered a minimum temperature of minus 1 degree Celsius, down from the previous night.  Qazigund, the gateway town to the Valley, recorded 11 degree Celsius, compared to 16 degree Celsius on Friday. 

"It felt really soothing to eyes after witnessing in the month of November after so long, we hope this snowfall  is in the favour of the valley," said Farooq Ahmad. However, the strategic 434-km Srinagar-Leh highway remained closed due to the heavy snowfall for third consecutive day at Zojilla pass where 3ft snow has been cumulated. While 1.5 feet snow has accumulated in the famous tourist destination of the valley, Sonamarg. 

According to the Reports, a large number of vehicles, including those carrying passengers, were grounded on both sides of the Zojila pass. "Fresh snowfall has occurred in Zojila Pass, Drass, Kargil, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Gulmarg during the last 12 hours," said an official of weather department. He said that the snowfall in the higher reaches has sent chilly winds into the plains of the valley leading to a dip in the night temperatures. 

Meanwhile, Flight operations were temporarily hauled at the Srinagar airport due to bad weather, the runway has been closed till 3 PM due to snowfall and poor visibility. While talking to Kashmir News bureau, Director Meteorological Department, Sonam Lotus said that “they were not expecting this much of weather disturbance.  "We had predicted moderate rains and snowfall but the city has received its first snowfall in the month of November for the third time in last 18 years,” Lotus said. He further said that the weather is likely to improve from tomorrow with moderate rain at some places.