The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for parts of the country, with conditions expected to bring hazardous travel, particularly over mountainous areas and along affected road networks.
Which areas are affected?
SAWS has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow, with parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State among the hardest hit, with snowfall affecting a number of major routes and mountain passes.
Motorists are advised that Penhoek Pass along the N6 between Komani (Queenstown) and James Calata (Jamestown) has been reopened to traffic. The roadway is currently drivable, following the removal of most of the snow from the road surface by a grader. The R58 between Lady Grey and Ekhephini (Barkly East) has also reopened to traffic.
In KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, authorities are closely monitoring conditions along the N3 and other routes, including the Van Reenen and Oliviershoek Pass areas, where snow, sleet, rain, ice and hazardous road conditions are affecting travel. The N3 between Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass should be approached with extreme caution. Emergency teams are spraying brine across all lanes to prevent black ice from forming.
Other areas, including parts of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, are also experiencing adverse winter weather, with some routes affected by snowfall, icy conditions and strong winds.
A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive winds has also been issued for parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape. Strong winds may result in localised impacts, including hazardous travelling conditions, reduced visibility and disruption to transport.
Government urges the public to take the following precautions:
• Avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected by heavy snowfall, ice, strong winds, flooding or other hazardous weather conditions.
• Do not attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities.
• Motorists travelling on roads that remain open should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution, particularly on mountain passes.
• Follow the instructions and guidance of traffic officials, emergency services and disaster management authorities.
• Check the latest weather and road conditions from verified sources before undertaking long-distance journeys.
• Where possible, postpone travel until conditions have improved and affected routes have been assessed and declared safe.
• Avoid sharing unverified information about road closures and weather conditions, as this may cause confusion and place motorists and communities at greater risk.
• Take precautions to protect children, older people and other vulnerable people from extreme cold.
• Farmers and livestock owners are encouraged to ensure that livestock and other animals are kept in safe, warm and adequately sheltered areas during periods of severe cold and snowfall.
