1036hours, 13-12-2019, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India:

Shimla witnessed its first snowfall after Yellow Alert was issued by the meteorological department in many parts of the state (starting 12th December). Most parts of the state witnessed snowfall including Manali, Manikaran, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, parts of Mandi and Kullu, and Chamba. Though the weather has settled and the sun is out now in Shimla, there are still clouds in the sky and it might continue to shower again by evening.

Due to the first major snowfall in Himachal, the roads in Kufri and Narkanda were blocked yesterday causing problems for the ongoing traffic. Administration is working around the clock to clear the roads so that daily commuters get moving again. All roads are clear in Shimla city with no issues with the flow of water or electricity in and around the city.

It’s still snowing in Sangla Valley and the road is blocked for now with almost a feet of snow accumulated on the road. For the time being, it has stopped snowing in Manali which has roughly one feet of snow accumulated on the highway and nearby link roads. The weather is still a bit dicey as dark clouds cover the entire valley. The road is blocked but efforts are being made to keep the road clear of snow. 

It is advisable that tourists avoid going to higher regions till 15th December as more snowfall is predicted for today and tomorrow. But for those of you with the right vehicles, equipment and experience in driving in snow, the time might be right to head for the mountains tomorrow…