Higher reaches of Himachal experiencing snowfall, windstorm & rain disrupts normal life

Rain, snowfall, windstorms, and lightning hit many places in Himachal Pradesh in the past 24 hrs disrupting vehicular traffic, power, water supply, and communication services in the state.

According to District Administration Lahaul Spiti  Dhundhi, the area around South Portal is witnessing heavy snowfall, and the road from South Portal up to Solang Nallah is not fit for any type of traffic.

District administration ordered the tourists and locals last evening to execute vulnerable spots like rivers and avalanche-prone areas. 

Many vehicles are stopped at the south pole of Rohtang Tunnel as it is heavily snowing in the entire Lohaul Spiti district. High reaches including Rohtang Pass, Lady of Keylong, Seven sisters hills, Sachpass, Manimesh, Dhauladhar range, and Kinner Kailash ranges were getting snowfall.

Shimla and its nearby areas including tourists resort Kufri, Narkanda, Mashobra, Dhami, and Jubberhati hit by 50 km per hour thunderstorms which disrupted the power supply in most places. 

Till noon the power supply and water supply couldn’t be restored in large numbers of stations. Three rain spells also ended a month-long dry spell and temperature also declined below normal. 

Reports of thunderstorms and rain showers received from many places in the state. Dark clouds are hovering over the sky and Inclement weather conditions are likely to continue till tomorrow. 

IMD issued orange and yellow alerts in the state and heavy rain or snowfall may occur in a few places. Warning that high-speed winds may disrupt power supply in the state. 

Issuing an Orange alert IMD said that light to moderate precipitation accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and Gusty wind(40-50 kmph) is likely at most places in the districts of Sirmaur, Solan, Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla and Kullu with possibility of hail at isolated places.

Light to moderate precipitation at most places in the districts of Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul & Spiti

Increasing cold waves and plummeting Mercury is also likely to delay the snow clearance works on the Manali -Leh National Highway and other local snowbound roads. Tourists and locals are cautioned to drive carefully in the snow-prone areas and ensure clearance of roads.