Severe weather conditions across Himachal Pradesh have led to significant disruptions, as heavy snowfall and rain lashed the region this past week. Starting Tuesday night, snowfall began to blanket the higher reaches of the state like Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur, with mid-hills experiencing heavy rain, culminating on Wednesday with roads blocked and power outages reported.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Shimla, snowfall was reported at multiple locations: Kukumseri saw 41 cm, Gondhla 16 cm, Keylong 12 cm, Kalpa 13.8 cm, and Sangla recorded 3.5 cm by Wednesday morning. The Atal Tunnel area also saw notable snowfall, with Sissu and Koksar receiving significant amounts. Heavy snow accumulation was reported around Manali, particularly Solang Valley. Overall, Chamba and Kinnaur faced the brunt of the weather, with power outages affecting many households.
"The heavy snowfall has blocked hundreds of roads, particularly 165 roads closed across Lahaul-Spiti alone, with Lahaul sub-division facing the most, at 74 blocked roads," said the local administration. With the rising snow levels, many areas near Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla were also reported to have faced power outages, leaving some residents without electricity for hours. Kullu Valley, for example, experienced outages with no restoration even after 12 hours.
The rain totals have also been staggering; on Wednesday morning, Kullu recorded the highest rainfall of 24.8 mm inches, followed by Lahaul-Spiti at 19.8 mm, 10.5 mm from Chamba, 9.5 mm recorded at Shimla, and Kinnaur reporting 7.2 mm. Overall, the state received 11.4 mm of rain by Wednesday morning, which is 128% above the normal precipitation amounts.
Weather conditions indicate cold alerts across higher regions, with minimum temperatures plummeting. Keylong was the coldest with -3.6 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Tabo at -2.8 degrees. Touristic locations such as Shimla reported varying degrees, at 7.4 degrees, and Manali at 2.1 degrees. The Meteorological Department has predicted worsened weather over the coming days, issuing orange alerts for both heavy snowfall and rain for February 27 and 28.
"The heavy precipitation is expected to continue, and we are issuing the orange alert to inform residents of the potential dangers," warned Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Senior Scientist from the Shimla IMD. He explained how this storm, executed by western disturbances, has significantly increased precipitation levels across the state, prompting precautions to be taken.
Residents and tourists are being urged to avoid traveling to affected regions and stay updated with the advisories issued by the authorities. Caution is advised particularly to those living near landslide-prone areas and those reliant on public transportation. The IMD's forecasts suggest rainfall and storm developments are likely to escalate, with thunderstorms expected across the districts of Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur.
The heavy snowfall has raised concerns about post-storm conditions. The affecting rain and snow have rejuvenated water tables, necessary for the agriculture-dependent regions, but logistical issues persist. While authorities are working to clear the blocked roads, these incidents serve as reminders of the impact such sudden weather can have on daily life.
Preparations and recovery plans are taking place as the winter weather continues to affect livelihoods. The imminent snow and rain forecast may bring fresh difficulties, but they also provide hope for agricultural renewal as farmers perceive this weather as potentially beneficial for the upcoming summer. Cautious optimism is all the rage as residents persevere through these harsh conditions.
Overall, the weather forecast for Himachal Pradesh indicates diverse and continuously changing conditions as heavy snow and rain persist, with heightened anticipation for worsening weather and the community's resolve to navigate through this challenge. Local weather departments continue to issue alerts, advising all residents and visitors to remain vigilant and heed warnings for their safety.