WATCH: Temperatures drop as snowfalls, damaging winds hit KZN
Communities urged to take necessary precautions as bad weather conditions are expected to continue until Tuesday
AS snow falls in parts of KZN with reports of some road closures, residents are further warned of damaging winds and waves expected to persist until tomorrow (Tuesday).
The R617 road between Underberg and Kokstad has been closed this (Monday) morning as a result of snow that has blanketed the area.
Rain, snow and freezing temperatures are also affecting parts of the N3 Toll Route.
The N3 Toll Concession chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra warns that icy conditions may cause hazardous driving conditions during the day.
“As a precaution, our Route Operations teams have begun to apply brine across all lanes from the bottom of Van Reenen Pass towards Harrismith.
“This process is to help prevent the formation of black ice, and will be extended to other areas of the road should weather conditions require it.”
This is amid expected traffic volumes as the Women’s Day weekend draws to a close.
“Road users are urged to factor the weather and expected traffic volumes into their travel plans today.
“Allow additional travel time, reduce speed, increase following distances, avoid overtaking unnecessarily, and keep headlights switched on.
“Drivers are reminded to follow the instructions of traffic officials and adhere to traffic signs. These measures are in place to safely manage traffic under challenging conditions and to protect all road users,” said Dhoogra.
Damaging winds
Along the KZN coast, strong winds – at times reaching gale force – are expected to disrupt small harbours, ports and pose danger in navigation at sea and other beach activities.
“A cold front accompanied by a cut-off low is expected to affect the Free State, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, southern parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga and interior of KwaZulu-Natal persisting into Tuesday.
“The public and small stock farmers are advised that very cold and windy conditions, snowfall over mountainous areas and rough to very rough seas (coastal areas) can be expected.
“Farmers and the public in general are advised to take necessary precautions,” the SA Weather Service warns.
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