Shimla: The month-long drought-like conditions in Himachal Pradesh came to an end on Tuesday as snowfall and rain lashed several parts of the state.
Heavy Snowfall at Atal Tunnel, Lahaul Valley.
Shimla, February 20: The Atal Tunnel Rohtang is witnessing heavy snowfall, while Lahaul Valley has recorded over six inches of snow this evening.
With roads turning slippery and visibility dropping, authorities have issued a travel advisory urging tourists and commuters to avoid unnecessary travel and stay in safe locations.
District police of have advised that those needing to travel must seek prior information regarding road conditions to ensure their safety.
Snow-clearing operations are underway, but the weather forecast suggests continued snowfall, which may lead to further disruptions.
Tourists planning to visit the region are urged to monitor weather updates and follow instructions from local authorities to avoid any inconvenience or safety hazards.
Tourist towns in the Shimla apple belt, including Narkanda, Kufri, Khirki, and Kharapathar, along with Kullu, Mandi, and the tribal regions of Lahaul Valley and Manali, experienced fresh snow and rainfall.
Shimla city received rain early in the morning, but the weather cleared up by 10 a.m.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate snowfall in Shimla, Kullu-Manali, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Chamba within the next 12 hours. The fresh snowfall disrupted traffic in Kufri, Narkanda, Kharapathar, Khirki, and Charki in the Chopal region, causing temporary roadblocks. Authorities are working to restore traffic on affected routes.
Snow fall continue in the higher reaches of Khirki, Charki, Choorhdhar and rain fall is continue in Chopal sub division.
Chopal -Deha road is closed along with five link roads, machinery is being deployed, advisory is issued not to ply vehicles till the clearance of roads. Electricity and water supply is normal so far.
The spell of rain and snow has brought cheer to farmers, who had been grappling with prolonged dry conditions.
While the precipitation has offered much-needed relief, farmers are hoping for more rainfall to fully replenish soil moisture and end the dry spell.
