Higher reaches and tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh received a fresh spell of snow while low and middle hills were lashed by intermittent hail and rains on Saturday. This was accompanied by an orange warning of thunderstorms and other adverse weather conditions in several districts. As a result, a total of 168 roads, including three National Highways, were closed for vehicular traffic in the state. The difficult terrain in Lahaul and Spiti remains a major challenge with 159 roads still to be opened.

In the Kinnaur district, a Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus turned turtle near Maling in the morning due to skidding on the snow. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the incident. Meanwhile, the heavy snowfall led to a traffic halt at the Atal Tunnel in Rohtang near Manali.

Key areas that received significant snowfall include Kalpa and Kukumseri with 5 cm of snow, followed by Keylong with 3 cm in the past 24 hours.

The local MeT office had issued an orange warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hail, heavy rains, and gusty winds in seven out of the twelve districts in the state. Shimla, the state capital, and some other places witnessed intermittent rains, lightning, gusty winds, and hailstorm, which made commuting difficult in Solan.

The adverse weather conditions have disrupted transportation and caused inconvenience to people across the affected districts. The road closures have impacted travel and movement of goods. Efforts are underway to clear the roads and restore normalcy.

For more information, read the full article on Economic Times.