Srinagar-Leh highway closed due to heavy snowfall

Several areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall and rain yesterday.In Jammu and Kashmir, rain was reported in the plains and snowfall in the upper reaches of the valley. The Zojila Pass connecting Kargil has received over three feet snow. The Srinagar-Leh highway connecting Kashmir to Ladakh division has been closed for traffic. The Kashmir region is witnessing 'Chillai Kalan', the



40-day harshest winter period.

In Himachal Pradesh, severe cold wave conditions tightened its grip due to intermittent light snowfall in tribal areas and other higher reaches. The temperature has plummeted throughout in the state. The met department has warned of heavy rain or snowfall at isolated places in the state. The Lahaul division was cut off following snowfall at Rohtang Pass.