Srinagar/Jammu: The first major snowfall of 2026 has brought life in Jammu & Kashmir to a grinding halt. As of Friday night (Jan 23) and early Saturday (Jan 24), severe weather conditions characterized by heavy snowfall and gusty winds reaching 155kmph have paralyzed connectivity. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) is officially closed due to accumulation at Navyug Tunnel, while power infrastructure across the Valley has taken a severe hit.
Emergency Helplines (Save These Numbers)
Before planning travel, verify the latest status with these official control rooms:
- Traffic Control Unit (Ramban): 94199-93745 / 1800-180-7043
- Traffic Control Unit (Srinagar): 0194-2450022 / 1800-180-7091
- Traffic Control Unit (Jammu): 0191-2459048
- Srinagar Airport Enquiry: 0194-2303311
- Power Supply Helpline: 1912
Transport Nightmare: Roads & Skies Blocked
- NH-44 Shut: Vehicular movement has been completely stopped at Jakhani Chowk and the Navyug Tunnel due to fresh snow accumulation. Landslides and shooting stones have also been reported in the Ramban sector.
- Flights Grounded: Operations at Srinagar International Airport are suspended. IndiGo and other carriers have put take-offs and landings on hold. Passenger Advisory: Contact your airline helpdesk before leaving for the airport.
- Other Routes: The Mughal Road and SSG Road remain closed. In Jammu, the Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended due to snow on Trikuta Hills.
Power Crisis & “Roofless” Homes
The accompanying windstorm has caused unprecedented damage to infrastructure.
- Power Collapse: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the Power portfolio, revealed that the Valley’s active power load dropped to less than 100 MW against the usual 1700 MW. “Gusty winds disrupted the whole transmission system, snapping 33KV lines,” he stated.
- Structural Damage: In Shopian (155kmph winds) and Srinagar (84kmph), roofs were blown off residential houses and shopping complexes.On the Ground: In Lal Chowk, sheets of metal roofing were seen piled up near the Clock Tower, blocking traffic and highlighting the storm’s intensity.
Key Highlights: The Impact in Numbers
- Snowfall: 55cm in Shopian, 45cm in Gulmarg, 16cm in Banihal.
- Wind Speed: Peak of 155 kmph recorded in Shopian.
- Schools: Closed in Rajouri, Reasi, Poonch, and Udhampur by district order.
FAQ Section
A: No. NH-44 is closed due to heavy snow at Navyug Tunnel and landslides in Ramban. Traffic police strongly advise against any travel on this route.
A: All flights are currently suspended. Resumption depends entirely on visibility improvements later in the day. Passengers should check status with airlines directly.
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AUTHORSHIP & TRANSPARENCY
- Reported by: Gowhar Nabi
- Edited by: Senior Desk
- Source Transparency: Weather data from IMD Srinagar (Director Mukhtar Ahmad). Power outage details via CM Omar Abdullah’s official statement. Flight status via IndiGo advisory.
- Community Question: “Has the power supply been restored in your area yet? Let us know in the comments.”
- Accountability Footer: “Found an error? Email kittonews2gmail.com.”
