Unusual spring weather has left motorists stranded in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape (Photo courtesy of the Border Control Agency)
of South African Weather Service A level eight warning was issued warning that weather conditions could worsen as snow continued to fall mainly on the N3 highway between Woden and Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, leaving motorists stranded for hours.
The KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management Centre said it had held a joint operations centre meeting on Saturday morning to discuss relief efforts, including providing soup kitchens, shelter and blankets to trapped motorists.
“Local authorities, working with other government agencies, have prioritised major roads to facilitate easier emergency access and mobilised graders to clear snow from affected areas,” KwaZulu-Natal MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi said in a statement.
The N3 toll road remains closed between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State due to bad weather.
The heavy snowfall caused cuts to basic necessities such as water and electricity in some areas.
Buthelezi said technical teams were working to restore these services as quickly as possible, but warned residents should prepare for possible delays due to weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the Border Control Agency has issued a notice to travellers that in view of the persistent snowfall, it has decided to close the Sani Pass, Boothman's Neck and Mononsha ports of entry until further notice.
He said the ports of entry of Ficksburg, Caledonsport, Makareng and Maseru could be used as alternative means of entering Lesotho.
Snowfall has also been reported in parts of the Eastern Cape, including at Gkebela, Penhoek Pass, the R58 east of Barkly and Mountain Shadows near Elliot.
Eastern Cape transport spokesperson Makhaya Komisa said emergency services were being mobilised to monitor the N2 motorway towards Gqebela.
“Motorists are advised to reduce their speed when driving on this road as they approach Gkeberha from Makhanda. Traffic officers are at the scene,” Komisa said in a statement.
