The Article Subject News of widespread snowfall and rain in northern India unfolded dramatically on January 23, 2026, as heavy snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir disrupted daily life, shut down critical transport routes and forced authorities to take emergency safety measures. The most significant impact was felt on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the lifeline connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, which was closed due to hazardous road conditions caused by accumulating snow.

According to officials, the NH-44 closed decision was taken after snowfall intensified around the Ramsoo region, where snow accumulation made vehicular movement extremely dangerous. Traffic was halted at several locations, including Jakhani Chowk in Udhampur, to prevent accidents caused by slippery roads and poor visibility. Vehicles were stopped at designated safe zones as a precautionary measure, reflecting the administration’s focus on public safety amid worsening weather conditions.

The sudden weather change marked a significant shift after nearly three months of dry conditions in the region. Snowfall returned not only to higher reaches but also to plains and semi-urban areas, particularly in Doda district’s Bhalesa region. Residents welcomed the snowfall with visible relief and joy, as the prolonged dry spell had raised concerns over water scarcity, agriculture and environmental balance. For many locals, the snow was seen as both a climatic blessing and a reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather.

While the snowfall brought cheer to some communities, it simultaneously caused widespread disruption to air travel. Srinagar Airport flight cancellation news dominated the Article Subject latest News updates as multiple airlines suspended operations due to unsafe landing and take-off conditions. IndiGo Airlines, one of the major carriers operating in the region, issued an advisory confirming that flight operations at Srinagar had been temporarily put on hold.

In its statement, IndiGo explained that both arrivals and departures were suspended due to continuous snowfall, which significantly reduced runway visibility and safety margins. Passengers were warned about extended wait times, both onboard aircraft and at terminals. The airline also informed travellers that boarding procedures might be completed in advance so that flights could depart quickly once weather conditions improved and clearance was granted.

IndiGo further advised passengers to stay updated through official channels and assured them of assistance with rebooking and refunds. The airline emphasised that it was closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and would resume services as soon as conditions allowed. This advisory became a key element of the Article Subject News, highlighting the challenges faced by airlines operating in weather-sensitive regions like Kashmir.

Compounding the situation, Srinagar Airport authorities confirmed that several flights were cancelled not only due to local snowfall but also because of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) in force at Delhi Airport. The airport issued a public message stating that some flights to and from Srinagar stood cancelled due to the combined impact of adverse weather and operational restrictions at Delhi, a major aviation hub.

Passengers were urged to verify flight status directly with their respective airlines before heading to the airport, as conditions remained fluid and subject to rapid change. The disruptions underscored how weather events in one region can have cascading effects across India’s interconnected aviation network.

The heavy snowfall Jammu and Kashmir weather update also brought renewed focus on emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience in mountainous regions. Authorities deployed road maintenance teams and snow-clearing equipment, although continuous snowfall limited immediate restoration efforts. Officials reiterated that the highway would reopen only after thorough clearance and safety assessments were completed.

Meanwhile, weather disturbances were not limited to Jammu and Kashmir alone. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a tehsil-level nowcast warning for parts of Punjab and Haryana, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, moderate rainfall and gusty winds during the early hours of the day. The alert remained valid between 6.25 am and 9.25 am for Punjab and 6.24 am to 9.24 am for Haryana, indicating a brief but potentially intense weather event.

The IMD advisory urged residents in the affected regions to remain cautious, avoid open areas during lightning activity and secure loose objects that could be displaced by strong winds. This development expanded the scope of the Top News Headlines in Weather Category, as multiple northern states experienced weather-related disruptions simultaneously.

Experts noted that such weather patterns reflect increasing variability, with sudden snowfall events following extended dry periods. In Jammu and Kashmir, the snowfall is expected to benefit water resources and agriculture in the long run, but in the short term, it poses logistical and safety challenges, especially for transport and tourism sectors.

The Article Subject latest News also highlighted the human dimension of the weather event. In areas like Doda, residents expressed happiness at seeing snow after months of dryness, while travellers stranded due to highway closures and flight cancellations faced uncertainty and inconvenience. Social media platforms were flooded with visuals of snow-covered roads, vehicles halted along NH-44 and airport terminals crowded with waiting passengers.

Authorities across the region continued to monitor the situation closely, emphasising that public cooperation was essential until weather conditions stabilised. The administration reiterated that safety remained the top priority and advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather.

In summary, the NH-44 closed announcement and Srinagar Airport flight cancellation news reflect the widespread impact of heavy snowfall on Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure. While the return of snow brought relief to drought-hit areas, it also underscored the region’s susceptibility to sudden climatic shifts. As Punjab and Haryana faced thunderstorm alerts, the broader northern region remained on weather watch, with authorities and residents alike bracing for further developments.

This unfolding situation continues to dominate Article Subject News, reminding citizens of the delicate balance between nature’s benefits and the disruptions it can cause in daily life.

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