Srinagar, March 14 (IANS): Moderate to heavy rain/snowfall is expected in Jammu and Kashmir during the next four days, the local weather office warned Friday.

"A fresh western disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir and adjoining areas is likely to affect the state from March 15 (Saturday) to March 18 (Tuesday)," said a statement issued by director of the local meteorological office.

"Under the influence of this weather system, moderate to rather heavy rain/snow would occur at many places on March 15 and 16 and at most places on March 17 and 18 in Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

"Snowfall is also likely at a few places in Ladakh region particularly in Zojila, Drass and Kargil hilly areas.

"During the above period, heavy to very heavy rain/snowfall would occur at isolated places over the state. Thundersquall accompanied by hailstorm is also likely at isolated places in the state during this period."

At least 17 people were killed and over 1,000 houses damaged in the unseasonal heavy snowfall that hit the Valley and hilly areas of the Jammu region earlier this week.

Western disturbances is the name given to an extra tropical storm in the Mediterranean Sea which results in rain and snowfall in Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bangladesh.

The prospects of a better Rabi crop in these countries depend on this phenomenon.