New Delhi, Jan 31: Higher reaches in Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal had fresh spell of snow as cold wave tightened its noose in the two states while rains lashed northern region today disrupting road, rail and air traffic. Moderate to heavy snowfall in tribal areas and higher reaches coupled with widespread rains in mid and lower hills intensified cold wave conditions in Himachal Pradesh. Key tourist resort of Narkanda was covered under a thick white sheet of snow while heavy snowfall blocked 320-km Hindustan-Tibet National Highway. Shimla and its surrounding resorts like Kufri, Fagu and wildflower hall experienced moderate snowfall.
Dense fog engulfed the region hampering vehicular traffic at many places. People in tribal valleys of Lahaul, Spiti and Pangi reeled under freezing cold with mercury hovering between minus 12 and minus 22 degrees celsius.

Rohtang pass had over 100 cms of snow and Gondla 60 cms as all natural lakes, ponds and rivulets froze in Himachal due to intense cold.

Heavy snowing and widespread showers in Indo-Tibetan Himalayan region in Uttaranchal plummeted mercury considerably throwing normal life out of gear.

Snowfall continued for the third day today in famous pilgrimage Centres of Badrinath and Kedarnath as chilly winds swept Uttaranchal confining people indoors.
Light to moderate rains in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh disrupted road, rail and air traffic with frequent power cuts adding to woes of the denizens.

Bureau Report