Holidaymakers returning to Durban to be on alert
Those returning from long weekend holidays are to be extra cautious on the roads as extreme weather conditions impact parts of the province.
HOLIDAYMAKERS returning to Durban are being cautioned to be extra vigilant on the roads today (August 11). The weather forecast for KwaZulu-Natal is cold temperatures, steady rain and poor visibility, creating conditions that could make driving dangerous.
Also read: SA Weather Service issues Level 4 weather warning
Areas and conditions to look out for
The N3 route between Pietermaritzburg and Durban also faces potential hazards, including the possibility of snow and icy conditions at higher elevations. Specific areas like Van Reenen’s Pass, Harrismith, Tugela Plaza, Estcourt and Mooi River have been identified as having higher risks.
In Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding Midlands, the temperature is a maximum of 7°C, with a low of 4°C. From midday into the evening, heavy rain is anticipated, which could lead to waterlogged roads, localised flooding and difficult driving conditions.
Closer to the coast, the Durban and eThekwini areas are to experience continuous, heavy rain, with potential for over 40mm of precipitation. This could cause flooding and rapidly rising rivers. The heavy rain is expected to be accompanied by strong winds along the coast and rough seas.
For drivers coming from the Free State, Gauteng, and other inland holiday spots, the final part of their journey to Durban could prove particularly demanding due to these changing weather patterns.
Staying safe on the roads
The National Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has issued road safety advice, asking drivers to adjust their driving habits to suit the conditions.
- Reduce speed and maintain a safe following distance behind vehicles
- Switch on headlights to improve visibility and make your vehicle more visible to others.
- Use low-beam lights in foggy or misty conditions.
- Avoid overtaking unless absolutely necessary and safe to do so.
- If visibility becomes severely restricted, pull over at a safe location away from moving traffic and wait for conditions to improve
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