Shimla: Snowfall at high-altitude passes in Himachal Pradesh stranded six to seven tourists and bikers near Shinkula Top on Sunday, prompting police to launch a rescue operation .




Police safely rescued the stranded bikers and sent around 15 to 20 vehicles back towards Jispa and other safe locations. No untoward incident was reported.




In view of continued snowfall and adverse road conditions, the Lahaul and Spiti police have restricted the movement of all four-and two-wheelers from Darcha towards Baralacha La and Shinkula Pass.




The police have advised tourists and travellers to check weather and road conditions before setting out for high-altitude areas, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall and follow official directions.




While it snowed in the higher reaches, including the Rohtang, Kunzum and Baralacha passes, light to moderate rain lashed parts of the mid and low hills.




The change in weather has brought a sharp chill across the state, with maximum temperatures falling by 1°C to 15°C. Kukumseri in Lahaul Spiti recorded the lowest minimum temperature of 1.9°C, while Una the highest maximum temperature of 30.4°C.




The Meteorological Centre, Shimla, has forecast wet weather until Oct 16, with snowfall likely in higher reaches and rain in the plains and mid-hill areas. A yellow alert for thunderstorms at isolated places has been issued from Oct 12 to 15.