Snowfall Blankets Himalayas: Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand Receive First Snow

• Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand experienced the season's first snowfall, bringing relief after drought-like conditions.
• Residential areas like Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, and Kalpa received snow, delighting tourists and locals.
• Heavy snowfall led to road closures, power disruptions, and an orange alert for severe weather in some regions.
• The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed, and schools in hilly districts were shut as a precautionary measure.
• Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was temporarily suspended due to snowfall on Trikuta Hills, while plains received moderate rain.

Why It Matters: First snowfall of the season brings joy and challenges to the Himalayan states, ending drought conditions.