Heavy Snow Warning Tonight: School Closures & Travel Chaos Expected

A fresh Western Disturbance sweeping into the western Himalayas has prompted an official heavy snow warning for Jammu & Kashmir and the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh between 9 and 12 March 2026. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts scattered to fairly widespread moderate snowfall on Monday, intensifying to heavy spells above 2,400 m from Tuesday night, with accumulations of 30–60 cm likely over Gulmarg, Sonamarg, the Pir Panjal Range and the upper Chenab Valley. Key points travellers and residents need to know • Timing: Light snow begins late Monday; peak intensity 10–11 March; gradual tapering 13 March. • Elevation factor: Heavyest totals forecast above 2,400 m, but the Kashmir plains may see rain switching to wet snow during overnight hours. • Avalanche risk: The Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) warns of a “considerable” (Level 3) avalanche danger on south-west facing slopes of the higher Kupwara, Baramulla and Kulgam sectors. • Travel impacts: Srinagar–Jammu National Highway may face intermittent closures at Ramban–Banihal; Mughal Road is expected to shut from Tuesday. Air operations at Srinagar International Airport could experience delays if visibility drops below 800 m. • Power & telecom: PDD has pre-positioned repair teams; brief outages remain likely in Kupwara, Bandipora and Doda districts. IMD advisory 1. Avoid unnecessary travel on mountain roads during 10–12 March. 2. Carry winter emergency kits—thermal wear, high-energy food, torch, and fully charged power bank. 3. Tourists heading to ski resorts should verify local administration clearance before departure. 4. Farmers are urged to postpone pesticide sprays on apple orchards and secure polyhouse structures against wet snow load. 5. Check latest bulletins on the IMD subdivision-wise warning portal before setting out. Why this storm matters for spring runoff The upcoming heavy snow will replenish the seasonal snowpack that feeds the Jhelum, Chenab and Tawi rivers, providing a timely boost for downstream irrigation ahead of the kharif sowing window. However, rapid warming expected from mid-March could trigger sudden snowmelt, raising the flood potential on low-lying Kashmir plains. Authorities are therefore pairing the heavy snow warning with flood-watch preparations for the second half of the month. Residents are advised to stay tuned to district-level control-room updates, keep alternate heating arrangements ready, and maintain a three-day stock of essentials as the region braces for what is likely to be the most significant snowfall event of the 2025–26 winter season.