The first snowfall of the season began in the higher elevations early in the morning, with the plains, including Srinagar, receiving snow later in the afternoon

According to officials, snowfall was also recorded in the famous ski resort of Gulmarg, the tourist resorts of Sonamarg and Pahalgam, Gurez, Zojila axis, Sadhna Top, Mughal Road, and many areas in Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara districts.

Traffic came to a standstill on roads leading to popular tourist spots like Manali and Shimla, causing major congestion.

Kullu police said that a rescue operation was launched on December 27 after about 1,000 vehicles got stranded in Solang Nala