Fresh snowfall,expect more in next 2 days

The state capital received snowfall early in the morning and later in the day. It recorded minimum temperature of minus 1.9 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature of the town these days is around 5 degrees Celsius,four degrees below average.

Manali also received snow,said Sub-Divisional Magistrate Balbir Thakur.

Reports were received about several areas going without electricity,water and facing total disruption of road communication.

Kalpa saw a minimum temperature of minus 6 degrees while it was minus 2.4 degrees in Manali and 2.1 degrees in Dharamsala,an official of the meteorological office said.

Kalpa and Manali saw 4.4 cm and 2.5 cm of snow respectively in the past one day.

The Met office predicted that it would be cloudy across the state with a mild spell of rain or snow in some parts.

Avalanche threat loomed large in high-altitude tribal areas,including Pangi and Bharmaur area of Chamba district,where five persons died due to avalanche on Thursday,and people living in these areas have been advised to stay indoors.

The region remained engulfed in a thick fog affecting movement of vehicular traffic while thick ground frost in higher and mid hills made the roads slippery and dangerous for driving during morning hours.

The maximum temperature also dipped to 4.2 degree in Shimla while it remained below normal at 13.1 in Sundernagar,11.4 degree in Bhunter,2.0 degree in Kalpa,09.8 in Dharmshala ,11.3 in Nahan and Solan and 17.6 degree in Una.

Saloni in Chamba recorded 40cm of snowfall while Dhauladhar and Churdhar mountain ranges in Kangra and Sirmaur and Rohtang,Saach and Chansel passes are experiencing intermittent heavy snowfall.