PEERZADA SAYEED
In Karnah, fresh snow accumulation of four inches on Sadhana Top has led the authorities to shut the Karnah-Kupwara highway to vehicles as a precaution, given the risk of landslides and falling rocks. According to weather forecasts, snowfall persisted in the upper reaches of Kupwara district while intermittent freezing rains hit the plains, starting last night. Throughout Saturday, continuous rainfall affected the Karnah, Tangdar, and Tetwal blocks, filling streets with water and raising river levels. Remote areas including Gandhi Saidan to Gandhi Gujran, Chitrakot to Chambra, and Haridal roads have become slippery once again, complicating vehicular movement.Fresh snowfall reports came from higher locations such as Phirkian Top, Sadhana Top, Bangus Wadi, Shamsbhari Pahari, Ragini, and Taya, contributing to a significant drop in daytime temperatures. This inclement weather has also interrupted the vehicular traffic on the district-connecting highway from Karnah, with authorities imposing a temporary closure for safety as further snow and stone falls are expected. Up-to-date reports indicate that an additional four to five inches of snow have piled up at Dana, Sadhana Top, Morian, and Khawani Nala, with snowfall continuing alongside the rainfall.Snowfall has also been reported at Phirkian Top in Karen, while the heavy rains and snowfall on Z street in Machal have significantly disrupted local life. Although these roads remained open at the time of reporting, forecasts of intense rainfall over the next 24 hours suggest potential closures. The administration is advising residents to avoid travel to higher areas due to the risk of landslides and falling rocks.