Windespread snowfall and rains in Himachal

The high altitude areas of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti and Pangi, Dhauladhar and Chaurdhar ranges, Rohtang, and other higher hills experienced intermittent snowfall since this afternoon, causing a sharp fall in day temperatures which plummeted to zero degree in Shimla, Manali, Narkanda and some other tourist resorts.

Shimla and its adjoining resorts of Kufri, Fagu, Narkanda and Sarahan experienced another spell of moderate snowfall with the state capital receiving 12 cm while Narkanda and Hatu peak and Kharapatthar receiving 25 cm of snow.

Keylong and Kalpa in Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur districts recorded 15 to 25 cm of snow while Rohtang (13,050 ft), Kunzam and Chansel passes had 30 to 45 cm of snow.

Dhauladhar mountain ranges in Kangra and Churdhar ranges in Sirmaur district also experienced moderate snowfall while lower areas of Kangra, Mandi, Solan, Una, Hamirpur and Bilaspur had intermittent showers.

The snow-covered slippery roads hampered vehicular traffic and long queues of stranded vehicles were seen at many places, including Shimla and Hindustan-Tibet national highway.