South African Weather Service issues level 8 warning for KwaZulu-Natal as parts of country hit by snowfall – The Mail & Guardian

Extreme weather, unusual for spring, has left motorists stranded in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. (Supplied by Border Force)

The South African Meteorological Service has issued a level 8 warning of further restrictive weather conditions as snowfall continues to blanket the N3 highway, particularly between Warden and Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, leaving motorists stranded for hours.

The KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management Centre said it had convened a joint operations centre for Saturday morning to discuss relief efforts in the form of soup kitchens, shelter and blankets for trapped motorists.

“Local communities, together with other government agencies, have mobilised snow clearers to clear snow in the affected areas, prioritising major roads to facilitate access for emergency services,” said Thulasizwe Buthelezi, KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, in a statement.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the N3 toll road between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State remains closed.

The heavy snowfall also caused disruptions to basic services in several communities, including water and electricity supplies.

Buthelezi said technical teams were working to restore services as soon as possible, but warned that residents should be prepared for possible delays due to weather conditions.

Meanwhile, the Border Guard Agency has issued a notice to travellers in which it has decided to close the Sanipass, Boesmansnek and Monontsha entry points until further notice in view of the ongoing snowfall.

It was said that the ports of entry of Ficksburg, Caledonspoort, Makhaleng and Maseru could be used as alternatives for entry into Lesotho.

Snowfall was also reported in parts of the Eastern Cape, including Gqeberha, Penhoek Pass, R58 in Barkly East and Mountain Shadow near Elliot.

Eastern Cape transport spokesperson Makhaya Komisa said emergency services had been activated to monitor the N2 highway towards Gqeberha.

“We advise our motorists to reduce speed when travelling on this road from Makhanda to Gqeberha. Our traffic police officers are on the scene,” Komisa said in a statement.