Himachal Hit by Fresh Snow and Rain; Atal Tunnel Shut, Orange Alert Issued

Himachal Pradesh woke up to a fresh blanket of snow and rain, turning its hills into a winter wonderland but also bringing life to a standstill in many regions. Authorities were forced to suspend traffic towards the Atal Tunnel, while high-altitude districts like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur saw heavy snowfall. Lower areas weren’t spared either, with intermittent showers and strong winds sweeping through towns.

By Wednesday morning, vehicles were halted at Nehru Kund as a precaution, and Jalori Pass—only recently reopened—was shut again due to fresh snow. The Meteorological Department has sounded an Orange Alert for six districts, warning of heavy rain and snowfall, while a Yellow Alert remains in place elsewhere.

Continuous snowfall at Rohtang, Baralacha, Shinku La, and Kunzum Pass led to sharp drops in temperature, especially around the Atal Tunnel region. Despite the harsh conditions, light motor vehicles were allowed between Manali and Keylong, offering some relief to stranded commuters.

The weather has also taken a toll on infrastructure. In Kullu, 11 roads and 11 transformers were affected, while Lahaul-Spiti reported a more severe impact with 134 roads and 15 transformers knocked out. Authorities are keeping a close watch as more snow and rain are expected in the coming days.

For residents, the snowfall is a mix of awe and anxiety—beautiful landscapes on one hand, but disrupted routines and mounting challenges on the other.