Murree: heavy snowstorm forecast as travel advisory issued

WEB DESK: Murree police have issued a travel advisory after a severe snowstorm was forecast for the hill station from Monday evening to Tuesday evening.

According to Murree District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Mohammad Raza Tanveer Sapra, heavy snowfall is expected to significantly affect road conditions, prompting authorities to urge both tourists and residents to avoid travelling to Murree at night.

The DPO warned that falling temperatures could turn snow on roads into “black ice”, a hard, glass-like surface that severely reduces tyre grip and renders vehicle brakes ineffective. He said night-time travel under such conditions could pose serious risks to life.

Dr Sapra said snow-clearing operations become extremely difficult during darkness and dense fog, further increasing the danger for motorists. He added that no vehicle would be allowed to enter Murree without snow chains fitted to its tyres.

Motorists have been advised to fully refuel their vehicles before departure and ensure mechanical fitness. The police also urged travellers to check that brakes, wipers, heaters and defoggers were functioning properly.

Drivers have been instructed to maintain low speeds on snow-covered roads and keep a distance of at least 50 metres from the vehicle ahead. The DPO cautioned that when using vehicle heaters, windows should be kept slightly open to prevent oxygen depletion, which could prove fatal.

The advisory further directed motorists to use fog lights and hazard lights during snowfall and fog, and to avoid parking vehicles on highways or slopes so as not to obstruct snow-clearing machinery.

Police have urged travellers to strictly follow instructions issued by personnel deployed at checkpoints. In case of any emergency or accident, citizens have been advised to immediately contact the police helpline at 15.