Following continuous snowfall at the higher reaches and rain in the plains since this morning, authorities on Sunday issued an avalanche warning for several places in the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and also Ladakh.
The weather department has predicted snowfall and rain in the two UTs between 18 to 20 February.
The Western Disturbance is already affecting Ladakh and J&K. It was snowing over higher reaches like Khardongla and Zojila among other places. Snowfall will increase in intensity and distribution mainly from this evening, the department said.
People living in the avalanche prone areas have been warned not to venture out of their homes.
Avalanche warning has been issued in the districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Ramban, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara and Ganderbal in J&K.
Danger of avalanches has also been predicted in the Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh.
”Expect heavy rain/snow with very heavy snowfall over higher reaches during the night of 18 February till the forenoon of 20 February,” the weather department said.