Heavy Snowfall in Kufri, Narkanda, Atal Tunnel; Roads Blocked in Himachal Pradesh
Orange Alert Issued, Disruptions in Traffic and Daily Life
Shimla, February 20 The weather in Himachal Pradesh has taken a dramatic turn, with heavy snowfall in higher altitudes and rainfall in lower regions amid an orange alert issued by the Meteorological Department. Popular tourist destinations like Kufri and Narkanda have been blanketed in fresh snow, bringing a picturesque view but also causing disruptions in transportation. Several roads have been closed as vehicles struggled on the snow-covered routes.
According to reports, Shimla, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Chamba districts have been experiencing continuous snowfall since early Thursday morning. The snowfall in Narkanda has accumulated up to four inches, leading to slippery roads and vehicle skidding incidents.
Traffic Disruptions and Police Advisory
The Shimla Police have issued a travel advisory, urging commuters to drive cautiously and use alternative routes wherever possible. Given the snowfall in Narkanda, National Highway-5 (NH-5) has been partially closed, and vehicles are being diverted via Sainj-Sunni.
The administration has advised residents and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel and has provided emergency contact numbers for assistance:
Helpline: 0177-2812344, 112
Nearest Police Station Contact
Meanwhile, the Chopal sub-division in Shimla district has also been severely affected by fresh snowfall, blocking several local roads and cutting off access to remote villages.
Atal Tunnel and Tribal Districts Face Harsh Weather
In Kullu district, the Atal Tunnel Rohtang has also witnessed significant snowfall, affecting both tourists and local residents. The tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur remain under the grip of intense snowfall, disrupting normal life and hampering transportation.
Similarly, the higher reaches of Chamba and Sirmaur districts have also reported fresh snowfall, further aggravating the cold wave conditions across the region.
Rainfall in Lower Districts, Thunderstorm in Some Areas
While the mountainous regions are experiencing heavy snowfall, the plains of Himachal Pradesh—including Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur—have been receiving intermittent rain showers.
Late-night thunderstorms swept through parts of the state, causing power outages in certain areas. Strong winds and lightning strikes have been reported in multiple locations, adding to the unpredictable nature of the weather.
A Boon for Farmers and Apple Growers
Despite the challenges posed by roadblocks and travel disruptions, the snowfall and rainfall have brought much-needed relief to farmers and orchardists.
Agricultural Impact:
The recent precipitation has ended the prolonged dry spell, which had been affecting rabi crops like wheat, barley, and pulses. Farmers are optimistic that the improved moisture levels in the soil will enhance crop yields.
Boost for Apple Growers:
For apple orchardists, the snowfall is a blessing. Experts believe that proper winter chilling is crucial for good apple production, and this spell of fresh snowfall will ensure a healthy bloom in the upcoming season.
Farmer Ramesh Sharma from Kinnaur remarked:
“This snowfall is exactly what we needed. The past few months had been unusually dry, which was a big concern. Now, our apple orchards will flourish, and our crops will get the required moisture.”
Cold Wave Intensifies, Temperatures Plummet
According to the Meteorological Department, the heavy snowfall and rainfall have resulted in a sharp drop in temperatures across Himachal Pradesh.
Temperature Updates:
Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and upper Shimla regions have reported sub-zero temperatures. Keylong, Kukumseri, Tabo, and Kalpa recorded temperatures in the negative range. Shimla’s temperature dropped significantly, making it one of the coldest days of the season.
With temperatures expected to remain low, residents have been advised to stay indoors and take precautions against the cold wave.
Orange Alert: Warning for Heavy Snowfall, Rain, and Thunderstorms
The Meteorological Department in Shimla has issued an orange alert for several parts of the state, warning of:
Heavy snowfall in high-altitude areas Thunderstorms and lightning in select regions Strong winds and possible road blockages
The weather forecast indicates that these conditions are likely to persist for the next 24 hours, urging travelers and locals to exercise caution.
IMD Director Dr. Sunil Sharma stated:
“The western disturbance is actively impacting Himachal Pradesh, bringing snowfall to the mountains and rain to the lower areas. The intensity may reduce after 24 hours, but cold wave conditions will prevail.”
Precautionary Measures Advised
Authorities have urged the public to stay alert and follow safety protocols during this extreme weather. Recommendations include:
Avoid unnecessary travel in snow-affected areas. Use chains on vehicle tires when driving in high-altitude regions. Keep emergency supplies like food, water, and warm clothing. Monitor weather updates from official sources.
The state government and disaster response teams are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to assist residents and tourists affected by the snowfall.
Conclusion: Nature’s Beauty and Challenges
While the snow-covered landscapes in Kufri, Narkanda, and Atal Tunnel are attracting tourists and photography enthusiasts, the weather poses significant challenges for locals and authorities. With roads blocked and power disruptions reported, the state is grappling with the harsh realities of winter.
However, the long-term benefits of this snowfall—especially for agriculture and apple cultivation—provide a silver lining to the temporary hardships faced by residents.
As Himachal Pradesh continues to experience extreme winter weather, it remains a test of resilience for the people and infrastructure of the region. The coming days will determine how well the state navigates the challenges posed by nature while reaping the rewards of a fruitful season ahead.
