Key Highlights
- Road Closures Widespread: A total of 226 roads, including three national highways, remain closed across Himachal Pradesh due to heavy snowfall.
- Severe Cold Grips the State: The coldest spot was Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti, with temperatures plummeting to -10.6°C.
- Power Outages Persist: Around 173 transformers were disrupted, leaving parts of the state without electricity.
- Tourists Miss Out on White Christmas: Shimla saw clear skies, disappointing visitors hoping for a snowy celebration.
- Weather Warnings in Effect: The Meteorological Department issued orange alerts for severe cold in Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, and Mandi, along with yellow alerts for dense fog in low-lying areas.
New Delhi: Bitter cold and heavy snowfall have brought life to a standstill in Himachal Pradesh, with 226 roads, including three national highways, closed for traffic. The affected highways include major routes such as Attari-Leh, Sainj-Aut (Kullu), and Khab Sangam (Kinnaur). The districts of Shimla, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kullu are the hardest hit, with significant disruptions to power and connectivity.
Snowfall and Plummeting Temperatures
In the past 24 hours, Jot received 10 cm of snow, while areas like Khadrala (5 cm), Pooh (2 cm), Sangla (1.2 cm), and Keylong (1 cm) also experienced snowfall. The picturesque town of Tabo in Lahaul and Spiti recorded the coldest night temperature at -10.6°C, underscoring the intensity of the cold wave sweeping across the region.
Statewide Disruptions: Roads and Power Lines Affected
The State Emergency Operations Center reported that:
- 123 roads are blocked in Shimla district alone.
- 36 roads remain closed in Lahaul and Spiti.
- 25 roads are inaccessible in Kullu district.
Additionally, power supply was severely disrupted with 173 transformers out of order, causing outages in several areas.
Tourists Disappointed as Shimla Stays Dry
Hopes of a White Christmas in Shimla were dashed as clear skies prevailed on Wednesday morning. Despite this, other parts of the state experienced intermittent rain, with Bhuntar (9.7 mm), Rampur (9.4 mm), Shimla (8.4 mm), and Manali (7 mm) receiving significant rainfall.
Weather Alerts and Predictions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted more rain and snowfall from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, particularly in Shimla and nearby areas.
- An orange alert has been issued for severe cold conditions in Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur, and Mandi.
- A yellow alert warns of dense fog in the Bhakra Dam reservoir area and parts of the Balh Valley in Mandi on Thursday and Sunday.
Dense Fog and Intense Cold Persist
Cold wave conditions continued to grip regions like Mandi, Manali, Chamba, Una, Hamirpur, and Sundernagar, where foggy mornings have added to the chill. Moderate to dense fog was observed in Sundernagar and Mandi, reducing visibility and increasing challenges for travelers.
With severe weather warnings in place and snowfall likely to intensify, the state administration is working on restoring connectivity and power. Meanwhile, tourists and locals are bracing for harsher conditions, as Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque landscapes transform into a frosty spectacle of nature’s power.
