Intense snowfall leaves two-third Himachal on standstill; normal life thrown out of gear

After a extra ordinarily long dry period, almost two third of Himachal Pradesh is now under a blanket of snow. Though data is not available however this one remains as the most intense snowfall episodes in recent years,  and was triggered by a powerful western disturbance coupled with cyclonic circulation. The widespread rain, snowfall and thunderstorms have ended a prolonged dry spell of nearly three months but also brought normal life to a standstill across large parts of the hill state.

The situation was most severe in Shimla, where daily life was completely paralysed. The town received around nine to 12 inches of snowfall, while Jakhoo hill recorded above a feet of snow. Power supply remained disrupted in parts of Lower Bazaar and Middle Bazaar, roads turned dangerously slippery, offices reported negligible attendance, and markets wore a deserted look.

Upper Shimla district bore the brunt of the spell, with Kufri and Narkanda recording around 60 cm (1.97feet) of snow, forcing the closure of key routes including Kufri–Shimla, Narkanda–Rampur and Khara Pathar, effectively isolating several areas.

In Manali, continuous snowfall led to multiple road blockades, disrupting traffic and tourism. Heavy snow was reported across major mountain ranges, including the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, Rohtang, Manimahesh, Kunzum Pass, Kinner Kailash and Churdhar, as well as the remote Dodra Kwar region.

In Kinnaur district, widespread snowfall blocked several roads. Areas such as Kalpa, Sangla, Chitkul, Pooh, Moorang and Nako received snowfall ranging from a few inches to over half a foot, leaving many routes either completely closed or passable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Similar conditions prevailed in Chamba district, where heavy snowfall disrupted life in Jot, Tissa, Pangi and Holi. The Chamba–Pathankot road, however, remained open amid rain, offering limited connectivity.

Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Lahaul and Spiti, issued a formal advisory after heavy snowfall, closing traffic on critical routes including Koksar–Darcha (NH-003) and Darcha–Shinkula to prevent travellers from getting stranded. Residents and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, park vehicles away from vulnerable slopes and riverbanks, and strictly follow police advisories.

Moderate snowfall was also reported from higher reaches of Totu, Chakkar, Tara Devi, Shoghi, Kathlighat, Kandaghat and Kasauli, while even parts of Solan, Mandi and Sirmaur districts recorded one to two feet of snow at higher elevations—an unusual but significant winter event.

While the snowfall has brought much-needed relief to apple-growing regions and improved long-term water prospects, authorities remain on high alert as power outages, road closures and the risk of people getting stranded continue across the snowbound state.