SRINAGAR: Srinagar-Jammu national highway was closed on Friday as a precautionary measure as the road was rendered slippery due to fresh snowfall. Moderate to heavy snowfall began across Kashmir this afternoon, bringing relief to the residents from dry weather. "It has been snowing across Kashmir since afternoon. The men and machinery have been geared up for timely clearance of roads and ensuring minimal disruption in essential services," an official said.
Vehicular movement has been stopped on the highway and a decision on resuming the traffic will be taken only after the improvement in the weather conditions, the Traffic Department official said. Although there was a brief spell of snowfall Wednesday, the fresh downpour has effectively ended the dry weather conditions in the valley which had led to an increase in common ailments like flu, cough and breathing problems, especially among children and elderly. The snowfall has brought cheers on the faces of people associated with tourism trade who feel more tourists will now visit Kashmir this winter.