Snow falls on the Drakensberg, bringing an icy chill

The big freeze is on for most parts of the country this week, with snow falling since last night (August 12).

Residents in the Central Drakensberg were greeted this morning with the sight of a white winter wonderland. Cathkin Peak has been covered with snow, with more expected to fall during the next few days.

The N3TC warns road users to take precautions as high winds and snowfall are predicted over the eastern parts of the Free State.

Snowfall is expected on Friday and Saturday along the Dihlabeng, Maluti a Phofung and Phumelela districts. This includes a section of the N3 Toll Route from Van Reenen’s Pass to Warden.

Morning satellite image (13 August 2021). A cold to very cold day ahead for the southern and eastern provinces with maximums in some areas not exceeding 8°C. Snow is expected to fall over the W and SW high ground of KZN and extreme eastern Free State which may lead to disruptions pic.twitter.com/fjN3MwbOWA

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) August 13, 2021

High winds, and the increased possibility of snow, may affect road conditions and the flow of traffic, causing congestion and delays, and the possible closure of sections of the N3 Toll Route in the interest of safety. Road users are advised to stay informed of conditions for travelling on the route; to avoid nighttime travel when temperatures may suddenly drop and visibility is generally very poor, and to delay their trips if the inclement weather conditions become too treacherous.

#N3WeatherAlert #HighWinds expected along parts of the #N3TollRoute today. Possible #Snowfall predicted today from #VanReenen to #Warden. Prepare for adverse weather. Read here: https://t.co/7gAWiVmDf6 or contact #N3Helpline 0800 63 43 57 pic.twitter.com/yx5NHovKx7

— N3 Toll Concession (@N3Route) August 13, 2021

Also read: Icy chill sets in…

Furthermore, the N3TC appeals to motorists and the general public to avoid the regions where snowfall may occur and, if possible, to rather delay their trips.

“So-called snow chasers place an additional burden on limited emergency resources, and often cause havoc on the roads during already dangerous conditions,” stresses N3TC’s operations manager, Thania Dhoogra.

“Should you have no option but to travel, N3TC advises that road users stay aware of weather warnings and the possibility of associated road closures. Conditions may change quickly, thus it is important to be well prepared for any eventuality. Keep extra blankets, a torch, food and refreshments in your vehicle in the event of lengthy road closures. People with medical conditions, or travelling with babies, should ensure that they travel with sufficient baby supplies and medication,” explains Ms Dhoogra.