The recent heavy snowfall in KwaZulu-Natal has caused significant disruptions on major roads, with authorities urging motorists to avoid travel in affected areas.
Story Summary:
- Heavy snowfall has led to the closure of key routes in KwaZulu-Natal, including the N3 between Estcourt and Harrismith.
- Motorists are advised to avoid travel in affected areas due to icy conditions and ongoing rescue operations.
- Authorities have issued severe weather warnings, with snow expected to continue into Saturday and Sunday.
Snow in KZN: Road closures for Saturday, 21 September
The N3 Toll Route between Estcourt and Harrismith remains closed due to dangerous driving conditions, while other routes in the region are also experiencing disruptions caused by snow and icy weather.
Thania Dhoogra from the N3 Toll Concession confirmed:
“The N3 Toll Route is currently affected by snowfall between Estcourt and Harrismith, leading to dangerous conditions and closures.”
This closure has caused severe delays, and motorists are advised to use alternative routes or delay their journeys until conditions improve.
Here is a breakdown of the affected routes:
- N3 Route (Free State/KZN): Van Reenen’s Pass remains closed due to heavy snow, with rescue teams working to evacuate trapped motorists.
- R74 Route (Free State/KZN): Road closures are in effect between Harrismith and Bergville, as rescue teams continue to assist stranded bus passengers and motorists.
- N11 Route (KZN/Mpumalanga): Snow has affected the route between Newcastle and Volksrust, causing dangerous driving conditions.
The Tugela and Wilge Plazas have also been closed, and multi-disciplinary rescue operations are underway.
Authorities have urged patience and compliance as they work to ensure the safety of all travellers.
Severe weather warnings and travel advisories
KwaZulu-Natal is currently under a Level 2 disruptive snow warning, with snowfall expected to impact parts of the Ugu, uThukela, uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala, and Amajuba districts.
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, warned residents to take necessary precautions.
“The risk of entrapment due to icy roads is very high, and residents in these areas are urged to delay unnecessary trips,” Buthelezi said.
In addition to the Level 2 warning, an Orange Level 6 Warning has been issued for the north-eastern parts of the Free State, south-western KwaZulu-Natal, and north-eastern Eastern Cape.
This means that communities may experience disruptions to services, with roads becoming impassable and some areas potentially cut off.
Motorists are advised to:
- Avoid travelling on snow-affected routes unless absolutely necessary.
- Be cautious of slippery and icy road conditions.
- Follow updates from the South African Weather Service and local authorities.
The snowfall is expected to continue in high-lying areas of KwaZulu-Natal through Saturday, with temperatures remaining extremely low.
Durban is forecasted to experience cool and rainy conditions, with temperatures ranging between 13°C and 15°C.
Winds will be moderate, and there’s an 80% chance of rain, making travel conditions hazardous.
As the snow and rain persist, authorities continue to monitor the situation and conduct rescue operations in affected areas.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and avoid travelling on closed routes until conditions improve.
