Flash flood warning issued for J&K amid gusty winds, heavy rain

SRINAGAR — The Meteorological Centre Srinagar issued a severe weather advisory Thursday, warning residents and tourists in Jammu and Kashmir of potential flash floods, mudslides, and high-velocity winds over the next 48 hours.

Authorities are urging the public to exercise immediate caution as brief, intense showers threaten both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions through Friday. The shifting weather system is expected to bring dangerous wind gusts of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour, peaking at 60 kph, alongside isolated hailstorms and severe lightning strikes.

Due to the heightened risk of extreme weather, residents and tourists have been strongly advised to stay clear of loose structures, old trees, electric poles, and exposed wires, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to sudden flooding and mudslides. The advisory also asks for the suspension of all boating and shikara riding.

While the most intense weather is expected to subside after Friday, the region will remain under a wet and cloudy spell through the middle of the month. Forecasts indicate partly to generally cloudy skies will persist from Saturday through June 17, bringing scattered light rain, brief intense showers, and thunder.

The unsettled conditions are expected to continue through June 19, with additional spells of light rain and gusty winds projected across scattered to widespread areas of the territory.