Himachal Pradesh Roads Blocked as Snowfall and Rain Disrupt Life; Fresh Weather Alerts Issued

Himachal Pradesh continues to reel under the aftermath of recent snowfall and rainfall that brought life to a standstill earlier this week. A total of 157 roads, including three National Highways, remain blocked due to adverse weather conditions. District Shimla has been the worst affected, with 72 roads closed for traffic, followed by Lahaul and Spiti with 36 roads and Kullu with 25, including two major highways. Ten roads are also blocked in district Mandi, causing widespread inconvenience.

The strategic National Highway 03 remains blocked at Rohtang Pass due to hazardous black ice, while NH-305 is inaccessible at Jalori Pass because of heavy snowfall. Similarly, NH-505 has faced disruptions at multiple points in Lahaul and Spiti, cutting off access to remote areas. These closures have not only hindered transportation but also affected essential services, with 25 power distribution transformers and 12 water supply schemes still disrupted.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh advisory, predicting another spell of light to moderate snowfall and rainfall across Himachal Pradesh starting Friday evening. A fresh Western Disturbance is expected to influence the region’s weather, bringing precipitation to the middle and higher altitudes on December 27 and 28. Light snow and rain may also occur on December 29 in select areas, but the plains are expected to remain dry. Clear skies are anticipated by December 30 and 31.

The recent spell of snow and rain has plunged the state into a deep freeze, with temperatures dipping significantly. Ground frost was observed in Shimla and Jubbarhatti, while Sundernagar and Mandi experienced dense and moderate fog, respectively. Cold wave conditions gripped regions such as Una, Hamirpur, and Chamba, with heavy frost and icy winds adding to the challenges faced by residents. In the higher altitudes, Kokhsar recorded 5.7 cm of fresh snow, while Shillaru and Khadrala saw 5 cm each. Other regions, including Pooh, Kalpa, and Gondla, reported snowfall ranging between 1 and 2 cm.

Efforts to restore normalcy are ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to clear blocked roads, repair transformers, and resume disrupted water supply schemes. Over the past 24 hours, 92 roads, 108 power transformers, and three water supply systems have been restored. However, 134 roads, including four National Highways, remain inaccessible, along with 65 power transformers and 18 water supply systems.

The state’s critical road network remains fragile, underscoring the urgency of restoring connectivity in the affected districts. National Highways like NH-3, NH-305, and NH-505 are vital lifelines for residents and tourists, connecting remote areas to key urban centers. Prolonged closures have hampered emergency services, supply chains, and daily life, especially in the peak winter season.

Tourists and locals are advised to exercise caution while traveling to higher altitudes and check weather updates regularly. While the state government and local authorities are making every effort to restore normalcy, the challenges posed by extreme weather highlight the importance of preparedness and resilience in such conditions.

Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its scenic beauty, is equally prone to harsh winters, often disrupting essential services and infrastructure. The state continues to face significant challenges as it recovers from this week’s weather disruptions and braces for the next spell of rain and snow.

#HimachalWeatherUpdate #SnowfallDisruption #TravelAlertHimachal