Avalanche alert in Himachal, heavy snowfall disrupts J&K and Northern states

Lahaul and Spiti Police have issued an Orange Alert (Danger Level 3) for avalanches, warning of medium-sized avalanches on extreme slopes until 5 PM on February 28. The advisory, based on inputs from the DGRE and HPSDMA, urges locals and tourists to restrict movement to safe routes. “According to the DGRE and HPSDMA, there is a snow avalanche warning (Danger Level 3, Orange) in District Lahaul & Spiti up to 28th February 2025 (1700 hrs. IST). Medium-size avalanche triggering is possible on few extreme slopes,” the advisory stated.

An avalanche struck Khandyal village in Bandipora, J&K, damaging one house while no casualties or injuries have been reported. The region has seen heavy snowfall, with Gurez sector receiving 4-5 feet and Tulail region recording six inches. The release also warned of continued snowfall and challenging conditions in avalanche-prone areas.

Heavy snowfall and rain continue across Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, impacting daily life. Udhampur district in J&K has recorded uninterrupted rainfall for two days, with forecasts predicting similar conditions until February 28. Srinagar saw significant snowfall on Thursday, with residents using umbrellas for protection. The IMD has issued an orange alert for Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, cautioning about heavy rain and snowfall from February 26 to 28.

According to Shimla-based IMD scientist Sandeep Kumar Sharma, the weather changes are due to an active Western Disturbance. The system is causing widespread snowfall and rainfall across northern states, affecting Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Isolated hailstorms are expected in Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Haryana, while thunderstorms and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) may impact West Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry are also expected to receive rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days.

A fresh Western Disturbance is expected from March 2, bringing further snowfall and rain to Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand until March 5. Isolated rainfall is expected over Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on March 3. Authorities have advised caution in affected areas and urged residents to follow weather updates.