The Newz Radar
Dharamshala: Continuous heavy snowfall has been reported in the higher regions of Himachal Pradesh for the past three days.
As of Tuesday morning, four national highways and 228 roads in the state were closed due to heavy snowfall. In Lahaul-Spiti district, 165 roads are blocked, while in Chamba 52 roads are affected by avalanches.
The snowfall has resulted in power outages in many areas with 1800 electricity transformers becoming non-functional.
The Lahaul Valley has been cut off from the rest of the state due to heavy snowfall.
It is estimated that there is about five feet of snowfall at the Rohtang Pass, while other areas like Kokhsar received 70 cm, 60 cm at the north portal of the Atal Tunnel, 60 cm at Sissu, 60 cm at Gandhala and Tandi, 45 cm at Daracha, 100 cm at the south portal of the Atal Tunnel, 40 cm at Solang Nallah, and 20 cm at Jalori Pass.
There has been a power outage in the Chandra Ghati area of the Kullu and Lahaul districts since Sunday night. Due to heavy snowfall, more than 150 roads, including three highways, are closed in both districts. The administration of the Lahaul-Spiti district has expressed concern about the possibility of landslides.
Heavy snowfall has also been reported in the higher areas of Kinnaur district. The state capital Shimla had heavy rain last night accompanied by a blizzard.
In the Dhundi area, heavy snowfall disrupted vehicular traffic beyond Nehru Kund. According to the police, due to heavy snowfall in the Dhundi area, about 4.5 feet of snow has accumulated on the road, and the road condition is not suitable for any kind of vehicle movement. Vehicular traffic from Nehru Kund towards the Solang barrier has been closed. Until the road conditions improve, only four-wheel drive vehicles are allowed to go to the Solang barrier.
Weather Alert for Snowfall Continues
An orange alert has been issued for February 20 and a yellow alert for February 21 for snowfall and thunderstorms. There is also a forecast for rain and snowfall in the state on February 22. The possibility of bad weather in the high mountainous regions is expected to continue until February 24. Meanwhile, in the state capital Shimla, there are light clouds with sunshine today.
