Dharamshala, July 1 -- After five-day delay from its normal onset date, the southwest monsoon advanced into parts of Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, covering several areas of the hill state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shimla, said the monsoon has covered the entire Kinnaur district; most parts of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts; many parts of Shimla and Mandi districts; and some parts of Sirmaur and Kangra districts. Officials said conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance over the remaining parts of the state during the next two to three days. The weather office said fairly widespread to widespread rainfall, accompanied by isolated heavy to very heavy showers, is very likely over the plains and adjoining mid-hill regions from July 1 to 4. Light to moderate rainfall is expected over parts of the higher and adjoining mid-hill areas during the same period, with rainfall activity likely to peak on July 2 and 3. The IMD has issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Kangra districts on July 2; in Una, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla and Sirmaur districts on July 3; and in Kangra, Mandi and Shimla districts on July 4. A yellow alert for heavy rainfall has also been issued for Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra and Mandi districts on July 1; Chamba, Mandi and Sirmaur districts on July 2; Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra and Solan districts on July 3; and Una, Hamirpur and Kullu districts on July 4. Meanwhile, thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and gusty wind (40-50 kmph) are also likely at isolated places in Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi, Shimla, Kullu, Solan and Sirmaur districts till July 4. A flash flood triggered by a cloudburst near Jispa in Lahaul-Spiti district on Tuesday completely blocked the highway, bringing traffic to a standstill and prompting authorities to suspend the movement of vehicles towards the affected area. The traffic movement, however was restores soon, said Lahaul-Spiti superintendent of police Shivani Mehla. A cloudburst near Jispa on Tuesday completely blocked the road, resulting in a massive traffic congestion in the area, the SP said. "Keeping public safety as top priority, Lahaul-Spiti police, in coordination with Ladakh and Zanskar police, stopped all onward traffic. Road clearance work is underway. Safe and smooth movement of traffic has started. Continuous monitoring is being maintained to ensure the safety of commuters," the SP said. We appeal to all drivers, tourists, and commuters not to proceed towards Jispa until the road is cleared and the situation returns to normal, she said....