Cold snap chills KZN South Coast as snow falls in Drakensberg
A bitterly cold weather system has gripped the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, bringing rain, strong winds and plunging temperatures, while snow has fallen in parts of the Drakensberg.
Residents across the South Coast are being urged to take extra care as cold, wet weather settles over KwaZulu-Natal, with rain, drizzle and even snowfall reported in parts of the province on Wednesday (July 29).
Snow falls in the Drakensberg
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned that a cut-off low pressure system will bring very cold conditions, widespread rain and snowfall to parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, southern Free State and the Lesotho border from Wednesday into Thursday.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) teams and officials from the Department of Human Settlements had been monitoring conditions across the province since Tuesday night.
Roads under close watch
According to RTI’s latest report, snowfall has been recorded in the Drakensberg, including Sani Pass and Mount Fletcher, while rain has been reported in Kokstad and wet, misty conditions in Underberg.
Operators of graders have been placed on standby to clear snow before it accumulates beyond 30cm, while the N3 at Van Reenen Pass is being closely monitored to determine whether road closures may be necessary to prevent motorists from becoming stranded.
Weather warnings remain in place
SAWS has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rain between East London and Cape Vidal, with flooding of roads, bridges and settlements possible, as well as damage to property and infrastructure.
A Yellow Level 2 warning has also been issued for disruptive snowfall over the Drakensberg area of KwaZulu-Natal, where traffic disruptions, interruptions to essential services and temporary isolation of some communities are possible.
The weather service expects the cut-off low to move away by Thursday, although cold conditions are expected to persist into Friday, with isolated to scattered showers remaining possible across the eastern parts of South Africa.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution on wet roads, reduce speed, increase following distances and avoid travelling through flooded roads or areas affected by snowfall unless absolutely necessary.
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