Shimla, Oct 5,
Fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti has disrupted vehicular movement on two major highways, while other routes remain open amid cloudy and unstable weather conditions.
According to the latest road status update issued by Lahaul-Spiti Police at 12 noon on Sunday, the Koksar–Palchan road via Rohtang Pass (NH-003) and the Koksar–Lossar route via Kunzum Top have been closed due to light snowfall and poor visibility.
Traffic, however, remains open on the Darcha–Sarchu–Leh and Keylong–Atal Tunnel–Manali routes. Authorities have advised motorists to drive cautiously as slippery patches and low visibility have been reported from high-altitude zones.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla, has recorded widespread rainfall across several parts of Himachal Pradesh during the past 24 hours. The highest precipitation was reported at Olinda and Brahmani in Bilaspur district (30 mm each), followed by Dharamshala (Kangra) 30 mm, Nangal Dam (Una) 20 mm, and Aghar (Hamirpur) 20 mm.
Other notable rainfall readings include R.L. BBMB (Bilaspur) 20 mm, Bilaspur Sadar and Naina Devi (20 mm each), Kangra Aero, Nagrota Surian, and Ghamroor (Kangra) 20 mm each, while Palampur, Kahu, Sundernagar, and Guler recorded around 10 mm.
A thunderstorm activity was also reported from Kufri, Murari Devi, Jot, Shimla, Sundernagar, Bhuntar, and Kangra, accompanied by strong winds—with gusts reaching 61 km/h in Reckong Peo, 52 km/h in Tabo, and 48 km/h in Bilaspur.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla, a cyclonic circulation over the western Himalayan region is likely to influence Himachal Pradesh’s weather during the next 48 hours. The system may cause light to moderate rain in mid and low hills and fresh snowfall in higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and Chamba districts.
The IMD has urged tourists and locals to stay updated with official advisories as mountain weather remains unpredictable during this transitional phase between monsoon and winter.
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