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Update, 22 September, 11:30am:

It has been reported that one person died from exposure to severe cold.

According to SABC Channel Africa, the victim collapsed in a Merrivale shopping centre, kwa-Zulu Natal after spending the night in a taxi that was stuck in the snow on the N3.

The taxi was reportedly travelling from Johannesburg towards Kwa-Zulu Natal and stopped for refreshments when the incident occurred.

The person was pronounced dead due to hypothermia upon arrival at the hospital.

Update, 22 September, 7am:

According to SANRAL, the Van Reenen’s Pass has been reopened to clear traffic.

The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) and N3TC Route Services started escorting stranded road users out of the area in the southbound lanes (towards Kwa-Zulu Natal) last night.

Graders and rescue teams continue to work in the vicinity of Swinburne/Montrose.

The South African Government notified motorists to cancel their trips until conditions improve.

It also advised those who are trapped in the snow to remain in their vehicles, signal for help and wait for assistance from disaster management services and police. Emergency services, including paramedics and other necessary personnel, have already been deployed.

The severe weather conditions have brought heavy snowfall across parts of Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.

The snowstorm has blocked major routes, including the R74 (Harrismith to Bergville), R74 Greytown/Colenso Road, N3 (Harrismith to Tugela Toll), R617 (Kokstad to Underberg), and the N3 Northbound, among others.

‘The ministry is deeply concerned about the situation, especially as many travellers spent the night stranded at filling stations and along the N3, unable to move due to the road closures,’ the Transport Department said yesterday.

‘[Transport] Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister [Mkhuleko] Hlengwa are receiving regular updates through the Road Traffic Management Cooperation and SANRAL on the ongoing rescue efforts coordinated by State agencies and other stakeholders.’

No deaths or injuries have been reported so far.

According to the South African Weather Service, a Level 8 warning for further disruptive snow is in effect for:

  • Alfred Duma Ladysmith
  • Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg
  • Greater Kokstad, Impendle
  • Inkosi Langalibalele Escourt
  • Inkosi Langalibalele Sobabili
  • Mpofana Giants Castle
  • Mpofana Mooi River
  • Okhahlamba
  • uMngeni

‘This warning indicates a potentially life-threatening weather occurrence. The heavy snowfall has also caused fallen trees, further complicating the situation. Residents living near the N3, who can assist stranded motorists with supplies are encouraged to do so safely,’ the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) said.

‘The heavy snow has disrupted essential services, including water and electricity, in several communities.

‘Technical teams are working to restore these services as quickly as possible, but residents should prepare for potential delays due to the weather conditions.’

 

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Heavy snowfall brought chaos to South Africa’s roads on Saturday, leaving motorists stranded overnight in their vehicles, reports Cape {town} Etc.

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Snowfall has been seen across various regions, including the southern and eastern highlands of the Free State, particularly near the Lesotho border.

The eastern highlands of the Eastern Cape, the western and southern highlands of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the southern Highveld and escarpment areas of Mpumalanga, are also expected to experience snow.

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has issued a strong advisory urging residents to avoid travelling as severe weather conditions, including disruptive snowfall, are expected to deteriorate further, particularly along the N3 highway.

This warning follows reports of motorists being stranded since Friday due to heavy snow, impacting travel between Gauteng, the Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. Authorities are calling for extreme caution as conditions worsen.

Al Imdaad Foundation Disaster response teams are responding to travellers trapped along the N3, Van Reenen’s Pass and other reported areas, as disruptive snow hits the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Al Imdaad Foundation officials told the Ladysmith Herald that teams were also caught up in the snow, for over 16 hours.

The teams took a quick break and loaded their vehicles to head out again to assist those who were still trapped.

Relief items are being distributed, including baby blankets, thermal blankets, hygiene packs, sandwiches, fruits, bottled water and hot meals.

According to the South African Weather Service, an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive snow was issued at 8:09am on Saturday covering the period from 1am on Saturday until 11pm on Saturday.

Residents in the affected areas have shared their experiences with snowfall, showcasing how they’ve adapted to the extreme weather conditions.

@newsnexussa #newsnexussa #newsstories #incaseyoumissedit #newsnexus #southafricatiktok?? ♬ original sound – NewsNexusOfficial

@oneandonly_rori Yaaaaaa neh. I’ll keep you guys updated ??‍?? #durban #snow #N3 ♬ original sound – OneAndOnlyRori

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Picture: Arrive Alive

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