Heavy snow blocks Kashmir highway

"Due to fresh snowfall and slippery road conditions in Jawahar tunnel area, the highway will remain closed for traffic today (Sunday)," Senior Superintendent of Police (national highway) Alok Kumar said.

He said over 500 vehicles, including passenger and load carriers, were stranded between Udhampur and Bannihal towns on the highway.

"All the stranded vehicles are at safe spots and the civil administration has made adequate arrangements to look after the stranded passengers," Kumar said.

Rain and snow continued to lash the Kashmir valley as higher reaches received heavy snowfall.

The weather office has forecast more snow and rain across Kashmir during the next two days.