Srinagar, May 14: The weather department on Sunday forecast ‘mainly dry weather’ for next one week with a brief spell of rain and thunderstorms at scattered places in Kashmir.

Light rain and hailstorm  lashed isolated parts of Kashmir bringing the normal temperatures down. The Meteorological Department has predicted significant improvement in prevailing weather conditions from Monday onward, officials said.

As per MeT Officials, light rain accompanied by hailstorm was reported in  Tangdar, Kupwara, Handwara, Uri, Baramulla, Gulmarg, Ganderbal, Kangan and adjoining areas & Pahalgam.

Moderate intense showers with thunder lightning occurred over Qazigund, Kulgam, Jawahar tunnel Banihal axis. Hailstorm and gusty winds was reported in Qazigund, Kulgam and parts of Anantnag and adjoining areas.

Director MeT, Sonam Lotus told Rising Kashmir that a brief spell of light rain and along with thunderstorms at scattered places occurred in Kashmir on Sunday. Hailstorms was also reported in some parts of the valley, he said.

“From May 15-16, there is a possibility of partly cloudy weather.  Light rain may occur at isolated places.  Again from May 17-20,  rain, thunderstorm is expected at isolated to scattered places.  However, there is no forecast of any major rainfall for next one week in the region,” he said.

A spokesman from traffic police department informed that  from the past 24 hours, Jammu-Srinagar highway remained blocked for more than three hours due to restoration work at Dalwas and Mehad, filling of potholes at ShalgarhiNalla C-N Tunnel closure, breakdown of 04 HMVs and movement of 15 nomadic flocks between Nashri and NAVYUG Tunnel.

Subject to fair weather and road clearance, LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. TCU Jammu/Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic, he further stated.

Cut off timings for LMV/Passenger/Private Cars 

“To be released from Nagrota (Jammu) from 0600 hrs. to 1100 hrs from Jakheni (Udhampur) 0700 hrs to 1200 hrs & from NAVYUG Tunnel (Qzd. side) 0600 hrs to 1100 hrs,” the spokesman said adding that TCU Jammu and TCU Srinagar will inform all concerned about the traffic advisory and cut off timings.  No vehicle shall be allowed to move before and after cut off timings.

HMVs/Load Carriers: HMVs shall be allowed from Jakheni (Udhampur) towards Srinagar after assessing the road and traffic situation on NH-44.  TCU Udhampur shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the HMVs.

SFs Convoy Movement:-  Security Forces are requested not to ply against advisory/traffic plan in view of possible traffic congestion because of narrow carriage way between Nashree and Banihal on Jammu-Srinagar NHW. On Monday they may ply from  Jammu towards Srinagar after confirming the status of NHW from TCU Ramban.

Srinagar-Leh Highway: Subject to fair weather and good road condition, only one way traffic from Kargil towards Srinagar shall be allowed on Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road. These vehicles shall be allowed from Minamarg, LMVs at 0630 hrs. to 0730 hrs. followed by HMVs upto 0930 hrs. No vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing.

 Mughal Road:- Subject to fair weather and good road condition, only one way traffic for LMVs from Poonch towards Shopian shall be allowed  on Mughal Road. These vehicles shall be allowed from Behramgalla (Buffliaz) towards Shopian at 1000 hrs. upto 1400 hrs, the spokesman said.