KATHMANDU: The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged tourists to avoid travel to high-hill and Himalayan areas from October 29 to 31 as a weather system is expected to bring heavy rain, snowfall and possible avalanches to several parts of the country.

In a notice issued on Tuesday, the authority advised tourists already in these areas to remain in safe locations and urged the public to avoid non-essential travel during the period.

The Nepal Meteorological Department forecast widespread rain and snowfall from Thursday night, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy precipitation in parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces on Friday and Saturday. Heavy snowfall is also possible in the Himalayan and high-hill regions, raising the risk of snowstorms and avalanches.

The authority said rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds could disrupt road and air transport, daily life, tourism and agricultural activities. It urged people to stay away from high-risk areas, particularly riverbanks vulnerable to flooding, and follow official weather forecasts and early warnings.

According to the NDRRMA, the weather system is linked to Cyclone Arnab in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to make landfall in India on October 28 before affecting Nepal from Thursday night.

For weather updates, the public can contact the department at 1155. For disaster assistance, the authority has listed 1234 for the National or District Emergency Operation Centres, 100 for Nepal Police, 1114 for the Armed Police Force and 1144 for Tourist Police.