Srinagar, July 18: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday warned of possible flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas of Jammu and Kashmir as an extended wet spell is expected to affect the region from July 19 to July 23.

The advisory said the weather system could also trigger torrential rains, cloudburst-like events and a significant rise in water levels of major rivers, streams and sub-basins.

"Widespread moderate rain and thundershowers are expected across Jammu and Kashmir during the period, with isolated heavy rains likely in Kashmir from July 21 to July 23," the advisory said.

Jammu division is likely to witness scattered heavy to very heavy rainfall between July 20 and July 23, with isolated extremely heavy showers possible over Reasi and Udhampur districts.

The weather activity is expected due to moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, coupled with the northward shift of the western end of the monsoon trough towards Jammu, the advisory said.

The department identified the Pir Panjal range, Chenab valley in the Jammu division, and the higher reaches of Kashmir as vulnerable zones.

Areas likely to remain at risk in Kashmir- include Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Bandipora-Razdan Pass and Kupwara-Sadhna Pass.

The IMD cautioned that the spell may affect road connectivity, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other major routes in the middle and higher reaches.

“People in higher reaches are advised to avoid venturing into sloppy and landslide-prone areas,” the advisory said.

The department also warned of a possible rise in water levels of rivers and streams, along with chances of waterlogging and minor flooding in low-lying areas.

Tourists and travellers have been advised to plan journeys according to weather conditions, while farmers have been asked to withhold fertiliser application and chemical spraying during the period.

The MeT Department, Srinagar, also forecast a significant fall in day temperatures during the wet spell.

A copy of the advisory has been sent to both Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir.