Snow Hits KZN as Weather Service Warns of Dangerous Conditions, N3 Motorists Alerted
- A Level 2 weather warning for snowfall remains in place across parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with heavy snow already hitting several areas
- The South African Weather Service issued orange-level alerts covering disruptive snow, damaging winds, and rough seas across affected regions
- N3 Toll Concession COO warned that high-lying areas like Van Reenen face short-duration closures due to the dangerous conditions
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KWAZULU- NATAL - An icy cold front has tightened its grip on KwaZulu-Natal, with a Level 2 weather warning for light to moderate snowfall still active across parts of the province. Snowfall has already been recorded in Kokstad, Mpendle, the central Drakensberg and sections of the Midlands, with temperatures hovering near freezing.
The cold front moved through on 10 August, bringing snow to the Drakensberg, Matatiele in the Eastern Cape, and KZN's Midlands. Streets and fields in affected communities woke up blanketed in white, and locals shared moments of children playing in the snow alongside genuine concern about road safety and power supply.
N3 highway on high alert
Travellers on the N3 highway have been urged to drive with extreme caution. Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of N3 Toll Concession, confirmed that the route remains open but stressed that conditions across the entire stretch are a source of serious concern.
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"The entirety of the N3 toll route is a concern," Dhoogra said.
She highlighted high-lying areas such as Van Reenen as particularly vulnerable, while very cold conditions had also been recorded between Balgowan and Nottingham Road. Short-duration closures have been put in place along sections of the route as a precaution.
Orange alerts across the region
The South African Weather Service issued orange-level alerts covering disruptive snowfall, damaging winds, and rough seas. Travel hazards were flagged for areas including Harrismith, with the possibility of sleet extending as far as parts of Johannesburg.
Winter's reach across a region more accustomed to warm seasons has caught many off guard. While the snow has brought moments of wonder for families and children, authorities are urging residents and motorists to treat the conditions seriously and plan journeys carefully until the front passes.
Government urges caution during the cold front
Briefly News reported that the government has urged livestock farmers to move animals to secure shelters ahead of the system's arrival, and called on all residents to protect vulnerable members of their households, specifically children, the elderly and people with disabilities, from the anticipated extreme cold. Motorists have been strongly advised to exercise caution, particularly on mountain routes susceptible to icing. Authorities are also warning drivers and pedestrians not to attempt crossing flooded roads or low-lying bridges under any circumstances.
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Source: Briefly News
