Heavy snowfall across high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape on Tuesday has disrupted key routes, leading to possible road closures and safety warnings.
Story Summary:
- Heavy snowfall in the Eastern Cape has prompted a Yellow Level 2 warning, leading to potential road closures and safety concerns in high-lying areas.
- Lootsberg Pass between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg is particularly impacted, with authorities considering closures due to poor visibility and road conditions.
- The SAWS warning extends to livestock safety in affected areas, as farmers are advised to take precautionary measures amid severe cold and snowfall.
Eastern Cape snow: Here are the latest updates
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 2 warning, alerting the public to hazardous conditions as snow settles over several regions, with Lootsberg Pass, between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg, among the hardest hit areas.
Authorities are closely monitoring affected routes, as visibility and road conditions worsen, posing serious risks for travellers.
The Eastern Cape’s high-altitude zones, particularly in the northern and western parts, are experiencing steady snowfall and icy conditions.
According to Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose, these conditions may necessitate closing key mountain passes such as Lootsberg Pass, where snowfall continues to hinder visibility.
Binqose noted that the department’s teams are “ready to step in if the situation escalates” and urged motorists to avoid travelling along affected routes where possible.
SAWS issues weather warnings for cold and hazardous conditions
In its latest alert, SAWS warned of “disruptive snow” over the high-altitude areas of the Eastern Cape, cautioning that snow accumulation on Tuesday could lead to dangerous travel conditions, including icy roads and reduced visibility.
SAWS also advised farmers to be vigilant, as the snow and cold may threaten livestock health, particularly in open grazing areas.
Weather conditions are expected to remain cold and overcast for much of the province, with a fresh south-easterly wind along the coast potentially adding to the chill factor.
Areas north of the Winterberg range are facing the coldest conditions, with widespread rain and scattered showers expected along the Wild Coast and adjacent interiors.
According to the weather service, these weather patterns are likely to persist through the day, with temperatures dropping significantly in the snow-affected regions.
