Snow blankets Shimla as Himachal Pradesh grapples with first winter storm, 566 roads blocked

Shimla experienced an unexpected hailstorm on Wednesday night, followed by intermittent rains. Subsequently, moderate to heavy snowfall graced the high hills and tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, bringing joy to residents, tourists, and farmers.

The state capital, Shimla, was covered in a thin blanket of snow on Thursday, marking the first snowfall of the season. The 5-km stretch between Kufri and Fagu was entirely covered in snow, creating a picturesque scene. Despite the cold, tourists and residents flocked to popular spots like Mall Road and Ridge in the heart of the city to relish the snowfall.

ALSO READ: Himachal Pradesh Assembly sets dates for Budget Session, scheduled from February 14 to 29

Impact on transportation and services

However, the heavy snowfall and rain led to the closure of over 566 roads, including six national highways, causing disruption in vehicular traffic. Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh reported that machinery has been shifted to snow-bound areas, and efforts, including the use of calcium chloride, are underway to clear roads. The Public Works Department estimates a loss of ₹4.5 crore due to snowfall.

The ongoing snowfall is seen as a boon for farmers and fruit and vegetable growers who faced significant crop losses during a prolonged dry spell. The wet weather is expected to benefit Rabi crops, bringing relief to the agriculture sector. Tourism stakeholders are optimistic about an increase in footfall, especially during weekends, due to the snowfall.

ALSO READ: Sukhu announces ₹300 crore allocation for ambitious education reforms

Weather forecast and outlook

The Meteorological Department issued an orange warning for heavy snow in five districts and a yellow alert for thunderstorm and lightning on specific dates. The ongoing weather activity is anticipated to reduce by Thursday evening, with dry weather expected on Friday. However, more rain is likely from the evening of February 3. The state, which witnessed a dry January, is now predicted to experience a wet spell until February 5. The snowfall might disrupt essential services and reduce visibility, according to the forecast.