Heavy rain, with heavy snowfall is expected over the hilly areas of the country. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), torrential rainfall and heavy snowfall with windstorm, thunderstorms and isolated hailstorm was expected in most parts of the country till March 02. A strong westerly wave earlier affecting western parts of the country is gripping most parts of the country till March 3.
The torrential rain and heavy snowfall may cause landslides in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and affect the vulnerable points in the area. Wind-thunderstorm and hailstorm may damage loose structures like electric poles, vehicles and solar panels etc.
Heavy rain and snowfall may cause closure of roads in Murree, Galiyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli on March 02.
The PMD has advised the tourists not to travel unnecessarily and farmers to remain cautious about their crops during the period. While all concerned authorities have been advised to remain alert and take necessary measures to avoid any untoward situation during the forecast period. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, heavy to extremely heavy widespread rain with windstorm and thunderstorm with heavy snowfall over the hills is expected.—APP
