Disaster management teams placed on standby as heavy rain and snow hit parts of KZN

As the predicted inclement weather hits parts of KwaZulu-Natal, MEC for Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Nomusa Dube-Ncube has placed all disaster management teams on standby, Ladsysmith Gazette reports.

The South African Weather Service predicted a cold front to sweep through the province, starting on Wednesday (October 3) and parts of today.

Gail-force winds and heavy rains, which could lead to localised flooding, are expected along the coastal areas, with snowfall in the southern and central parts of the Drakensberg.

Dube-Ncube has urged motorists to drive carefully: “As a province, we take this weather alert seriously and we are monitoring the situation, especially in areas we know are prone to incidents like localised flooding.

We are urging all motorists to be extra vigilant, as roads can become slippery. We call for extra caution to be applied when crossing bridges, especially in low-lying areas. We also urge residents not to cross walkways or rivers. Those residing in low-lying areas are urged to seek shelter on higher ground.

“The threat of snow in areas surrounding the Drakensberg is real and our teams are monitoring the situation. We urge motorists to pay attention to weather reports before embarking on any trip which will take them to areas that are prone to snowfall,” added Dube-Ncube.