Due to the rain and heavy snowfall that started in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening, most of the areas of the state are currently covered in a white sheet of snow. The constantly changing weather has affected both public life and traffic. The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is also wrapped in a blanket of snow, while heavy snowfall has been recorded in Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and most of the areas of Kashmir Valley.
Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed near Ramban due to landslides and slippery conditions caused by snowfall. Tourists and travelers heading towards the valley have been stopped near Nagrota as a precaution to avoid further traffic jams.
Snow removal operations are continuing in the Ramban area, although the highway is unlikely to reopen until the road is completely cleared. Stranded travelers say they are waiting for the road to reopen so they can safely reach their destinations.