Himachal weather: Fresh snowfall disrupts life in tourist hotspots Narkanda, Kufri, Manali

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Shimla: After two days of sunshine, Himachal Pradesh witnessed a fresh spell of snowfall on Friday (December 26, 2024) and early Saturday morning, affecting normal life and causing widespread disruptions.
Popular tourist destinations like Kufri, Narkanda, Dalhousie and Manali experienced significant snowfall, cutting off road connectivity and leaving travellers stranded.

1,500 tourist vehicles stuck near Solang Valley

Fresh snowfall disrupted 136 roads across the state, including three national highways. Narkanda received about a foot of snow, severing road links between the state capital Shimla and upper Shimla.
In Manali, light snowfall began on Friday evening, while heavy snow in the Solang Valley and nearby areas led to the closure of the Atal Tunnel.
Over 1,500 vehicles were stuck between Solang Valley and Palchan, prompting the police to launch a rescue operation.

Power and water supply affected

Snowfall caused power outages in several areas, with 65 transformers rendered non-functional. Additionally, 18 water supply schemes were disrupted, compounding the difficulties faced by residents.
Snowfall was reported in Shimla, Kullu, Kangra, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba and Sirmaur.
The Dhauladhar ranges in Dharamshala were blanketed in snow, while high-altitude regions like Rohtang Pass, Jalori Pass, Sissu, Kokhsar, Bharmaur and Pangi also witnessed heavy snowfall. Rain lashed Shimla, Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur and Una.

Orange alert issued

The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for heavy snowfall, rain and cold wave conditions in many parts of the state for Saturday as well.
Lower and mid-altitude areas are expected to experience strong winds, lightning and a severe drop in temperature. A yellow alert has been issued for December 29, followed by another orange alert on December 30.
Foggy conditions are likely in Mandi and Bilaspur over the weekend.
The cold wave is expected to persist until New Year’s Day, with January 1 likely to bring clear skies to the plains and mid-hills, while high-altitude areas may still see isolated snowfall.

Sunil Chadda

Sunil Chadda

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