Moderate to heavy snowfall was experienced in the high altitude areas across Jammu region, leading to the suspension of traffic on key roads, including Jammu-Srinagar national highway, and closure of schools in the hilly districts on Friday, officials said. PIC/Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board

The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills was among the places to witness the first snowfall of the season. However, the fresh snowfall forces authorities to suspend the yatra, even as moderate rains lashed the plains, including Jammu city, bringing an end to a dry spell that had lasted for over two months. PIC/Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board

As predicted by the meteorological department, it started snowing in the high altitude areas late Thursday evening, while intermittent rains lashed the plains, including Jammu city throughout the night, the officials said. PIC/Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board

Snowfall was still continuing in the upper reaches of Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua districts, officials said, adding that five inches to over one foot of snow had accumulated in the snow-bound areas. PIC/PTI

The higher reaches had also recorded snowfall in the last week of December and the fresh precipitation had brought relief to the people. PIC/PTI