Srinagar, Dec. 22 -- In a much sought relief from the long dry spell, there was widespread light snowfall in the mountains of Kashmir while the plains were lashed with rainfall on Sunday coinciding with the beginning of the harshest period of Valley's winter- Chillai Kalan.

In the first major snow spell this winter, the snowfall and rains closed many roads, including Srinagar-Leh (SSG) Highway and Mughal road while multiple flights were cancelled at the Srinagar International Airport.

"Respite from the prolonged dry spell. There was much needed snowfall over higher reaches & light rain at many places. Current activity will continue till tonight with another brief spell on Monday," said director of meteorological centre in Srinagar, Mukh...