Dehradun: Uttarakhand has witnessed another spell of snowfall, turning the mountains into a sparkling silver landscape but also bringing serious challenges for residents, tourists, and the administration.
For the past four days, the weather has been unstable, and late‑night rain, hailstorms, and heavy snowfall have disrupted normal life across several districts.
Snowfall impacts Chamoli district
Chamoli has been one of the worst‑affected districts. More than 77 villages are covered in snow, and traffic on seven major roads, including the Jyotirmath‑Malari highway, has been blocked. Slippery roads have made it impossible for even small vehicles to move. Residents are confined to their homes, while cattle are facing shortages of fodder and water.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand | White blanket of snow covers Chamoli landscape pic.twitter.com/R63oUR4y9b
— ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2026
Local leaders have expressed concern. Devendra Singh Negi, president of Bund Vikas Sangathan, said life has been badly affected in high‑altitude areas. Suraj Panwar, former head of Ramni village, added that even small vehicles cannot run due to slippery conditions.
Uttarkashi and surrounding areas
Snowfall has also hit Uttarkashi district. Heavy snow has been reported in Yamunotri, Gangotri, Harsil, Mukhba, Sukhi Top, Radi Top, and nearby regions. Temperatures have dropped sharply, making life difficult for farmers, gardeners, and winter pilgrims. Rain and hail storms accompanied by strong winds have reduced visibility, creating dangerous driving conditions.
सैलानियों की सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने तथा सुगम यातायात हेतु SP उत्तरकाशी, श्रीमती कमलेश उपाध्याय द्वारा उत्तरकाशी से हर्षिल तक गंगोत्री हाईवे का निरीक्षण कर पुलिस/पर्यटक रुट से जुडी एजेन्सियों के अधिकारी/कर्मियों को सैलानियों की सुलभता/सुरक्षा हेतु जरुरी निर्देश दिये गये। pic.twitter.com/za6d6TjKCd
— Uttarkashi Police Uttarakhand (@UttarkashiPol) January 28, 2026
The Gangotri National Highway was blocked above Sukhi Top but reopened with great difficulty. Currently, traffic from Dharasu to Sukhi Top is smooth, but the route from Sukhi Top to Gangotri is only open for 4×4 vehicles with non‑skid chains. Smaller vehicles have been prohibited to avoid accidents.
The Yamunotri National Highway has also been blocked at several points between Ranachatti and Janaki Chatti. The administration is working to keep the road open, but movement remains restricted.
Roads and snow clearance
Snow removal work is underway across the state. The Harshil‑Mukhba motorway has been closed as a precaution, while the Phulchatti‑Kharsali motorway remains shut due to heavy snowfall. Snow clearance is ongoing on NH 134 in Hanumanchatti, and lime has been sprayed on Radi Top to reduce slipperiness.
Authorities have urged locals and travelers to avoid unnecessary journeys. Travel to the mountains is advised only if essential, as routes may be closed temporarily depending on conditions.
Power supply affected
Snowfall has also disrupted electricity supply in several areas. While the 33/11 kV Bernigad substation has been restored, a breakdown on the 33 kV Nainbag‑Bernigad line continues to affect connected areas. A fault in the 11 kV Jankichatti feeder has disrupted supply from Sayanachatti to Jankichatti. Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman said repair teams are working despite the harsh weather to restore power quickly.
Tourism hit, tourists stranded
Tourism has been directly impacted. Many tourists in high‑altitude areas are staying in hotels and guest houses due to unsafe conditions. Reports of stranded tourists have come in from Chamoli, Uttarkashi, and Chakrata in Dehradun. Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh said the situation is under control and emergency teams are ready. Tourists have been advised to remain in safe areas until the weather clears.
Meteorological forecast
Meteorologist Rohit Thapliyal said that due to the activation of western disturbance, rain may continue in many parts of the state, while snowfall will persist in higher altitudes. Temperatures are expected to drop further, intensifying the cold.
Administration on alert
In response to the weather department’s warning, the administration and disaster management teams are on high alert. Sensitive areas are being closely monitored, and snow clearance operations are ongoing. While the mountains are covered in a beautiful white blanket, normal life, transportation, and tourism remain heavily affected.