- Barkly Pass on the R58 between Barkly East and Elliot is closed due to heavy snowfall.
- Weather conditions conducive for heavy snowfall with temperatures ranging from -3°C to 0°C.
- Monitoring ongoing for other mountain passes in the Eastern Cape.
- South African Weather Service issued warnings for disruptive snow and damaging winds.
- Provincial authorities are on standby to manage road closures and assist stranded motorists.
Heavy snow has led to the closure of Barkly Pass on the R58, Eastern Cape, between Barkly East and Elliot, also known as Khowa.
Snow in Eastern Cape: Road closures for Monday, 8 July 2024
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According to the provincial transport department, the decision was made due to weather conditions that included temperatures ranging from -3°C to a maximum of 0°C, creating an environment conducive to significant snowfall.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has been keeping a close watch on the weather, issuing warnings and alerts in anticipation of the cold front.
Other mountain passes in the Eastern Cape, such as Penhoek Pass on the N6 between Komani and Jamestown, Lootsburg Pass on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg, and Wapadsberg Pass on the R61 between Graaff-Reinet and Nxuba (Cradock), are under observation, though no closures have been reported yet.
Provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose stated:
“Our traffic law enforcement officers and all response teams will keep an eye on our roads, so that if there’s a need to effect any road closures due to snowfall, we do that in the interest of avoiding people being trapped in the snow.”
Eastern Cape weather update: Here’s what you must know
The South African Weather Service has issued several warnings due to an intense cold front affecting the region:
- Yellow Level 2 Warning for Disruptive Snow:
- Expected over the interior of Eastern Cape, central and north-western parts of the Western Cape, and southern parts of the Northern Cape and Free State.
- Impacts include loss of livestock and traffic disruptions due to icy roads.
- Orange Level 6 Warning for Damaging Winds:
- Expected over the central interior of the Eastern Cape.
- Potential damage to settlements, properties, and infrastructure, posing a danger to life.
- Yellow Level 4 Warning for Damaging Winds:
- Expected over the coastline and adjacent interior of the Eastern Cape and the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Risks include property damage, difficult driving conditions, and communication and power interruptions.
The forecast for the Eastern Cape includes fine and cold conditions southeast of the escarpment, becoming cloudy, windy, and very cold with isolated showers and rain elsewhere.
Snowfall is expected over high-lying areas, with fresh to strong westerly winds reaching gale force in places.
KwaZulu-Natal is also expected to experience strong winds, with partly cloudy conditions in the west and cold temperatures in the west. The UVB sunburn index is high, indicating a need for sun protection despite the cold weather.
