Srinagar: The sky is clearing, but the danger is just beginning. Following the massive snowfall of the last 48 hours, the Meteorological Department (MeT) and Traffic Police have issued a critical advisory for Sunday, January 25.
As night temperatures nose-dive to -12°C in places like Gulmarg and -4°C in Srinagar, the wet slush on the roads is turning into Black Ice—a nearly invisible, glass-like layer that offers zero traction for tires.
What is Black Ice and Why is it Lethal?
Black ice is not actually black; it is transparent, allowing the dark road pavement to show through. This makes it look like a harmless “wet patch,” tricking drivers into maintaining normal speeds.
- The Science: As cloud cover departs tonight, “radiative cooling” will cause surface temperatures to drop faster than the air. Melted snow from today will refreeze instantly into a smooth, hard glaze.
- High-Danger Zones: * Flyovers in Srinagar: (Rambagh, Jehangir Chowk, Hyderpora) freeze faster because cold air circulates both above and below the road deck.
- Shaded curves: Specifically on the Gulmarg-Tangmarg road.
- NH-44: The Ramban-Banihal sector remains highly unpredictable due to the freeze-thaw cycle.
Official Traffic Advisory: The “9:30 AM Rule”
Authorities have urged residents and tourists to stay off the roads until the sun is high enough to begin the melting process.
- Wait for the Sun: Commuters are advised to delay journeys until at least 9:30 AM. Even then, drive with extreme caution in “blind spots” (shaded areas) where the ice persists longer.
- Stranded Traffic Priority: Priority on NH-44 will be given to clearing the 2,000+ stranded vehicles first. Fresh traffic from Srinagar or Jammu may face denials at checkpoints like Jakheni or Qazigund.
- Braking Danger: > Survival Tip: If you hit a patch of black ice, do not slam the brakes. This locks your wheels and causes a spin. Keep the steering wheel straight, lift off the accelerator, and let the vehicle glide until you regain grip.
Survival Tips for Tonight
- Frozen Pipes: Keep one tap dripping at a very slow rate to prevent water pipes from bursting as temperatures hit record lows.
- Footwear: If walking, use shoes with heavy rubber treads. Smooth-soled formal shoes or heels are a recipe for slips and fractures.
- Emergency Help: Dial 112 for medical emergencies or 103 for traffic assistance.
FAQ Section
A: If you have an early flight, leave extra early and drive at a “crawl” speed. While main airport roads are prioritized for salt sprinkling, link roads will be lethally slippery. Check flight status before leaving, as extreme cold often causes de-icing delays.
A: If the road looks shiny and glossy while the rest of the pavement is dull/grey, assume it is black ice. A key giveaway: if the car ahead of you has no “spray” coming off its tires on a wet-looking road, that “water” is actually solid ice.
AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Reported by: KittoNews Desk
- Edited by: Senior Desk
- Source Transparency: Advisory derived from MeT Srinagar and J&K Traffic Police Rural bulletins (Jan 24, 2026).
- Community Question: “Have you ever encountered black ice while driving? Share your survival tips in the comments below.”
