Premonsoon Rain and Snowfall Cause Road Disruptions: ‘Travel with Caution Until Sunday’
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Officials have reported significant disruptions on major road sections across the country since Friday due to the seasonal weather system bringing rainfall to many areas.
According to a midday Saturday update from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, snowfall has caused blockages on the Rukum East to Baglung section of the Mid-Hill Highway, while slippery roads due to rain have completely blocked both directions on the Daunne section of the Mahendra Highway.
The Authority’s spokesperson, Shanti Mahat, reported that although the Kantipath and BP Highway, which were blocked due to Friday’s rainfall, have reopened, the ongoing rain means travelers should exercise caution and verify travel conditions carefully until Sunday.
Police and reporters note that other major and minor roads also face blockages, with clearance operations underway, resulting in some sections remaining fully or partially closed.
Meteorologists say the combined effect of the western low-pressure system and local weather patterns, which have been active since Saturday night, might weaken somewhat, but rainfall is expected to continue until Sunday.
However, rain is still likely on Saturday in many parts of Lumbini and Karnali provinces, as well as in some areas of Karnali, Bagmati, and Madhesh provinces, officials have reported.
“During the pre-monsoon period marked by short bursts of heavy rain, extra caution is necessary,” said Saroj Pudasaini, meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
Where Are the Road Blockages?
Nepal Police reported on Saturday morning that the BP Highway section connecting Dhulikhel and Bardibas was completely blocked, but by midday, local authorities, security personnel, and road officials managed to reopen it.
This road was severely damaged by devastating rains about a year and a half ago, with nearly 12 kilometers affected. Even this October, rain continues to cause extensive damage there.
Police also reported that one-way traffic is currently being operated on the KI Singh Highway in Dadeldhura due to landslides.
Similarly, landslides have blocked the road at Siddhababa section of the Siddhartha Highway.
On the Mid-Hill Highway, snowfall in various areas of Rukum East has prevented vehicles from moving forward.
Weather Conditions
Photo source, RSS
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s forecast division, on Saturday, most parts of the country will experience cloudy skies with moderate rain and snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in parts of Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces.
The department has also warned of heavy rainfall in certain locations within Koshi, Madhesh, and Lumbini provinces in its latest weather bulletin.
This weather system, which became active on Friday, led to several new heavy rainfall records across various parts of the country within the last 24 hours.
Photo source, RSS
Recent rainfall measurements include 92.2 millimeters in Badyangdi, Palpa; 81 millimeters in Tilottama, Rupandehi; 61.6 millimeters in Morang; 68 millimeters in Ambapur, Dang; and 58.8 millimeters in Kushum, Rapti.
Rainfall between 50 and 100 millimeters within 24 hours is classified as heavy rainfall.
Given it is the pre-monsoon season, winds are expected to pick up during the day, and the department recommends exercising caution when traveling or going outside.
The department’s three-day weather forecast bulletin indicates that on Monday afternoon, hilly and mountainous areas will generally be cloudy, while the Terai region will see partly cloudy skies.