Heavy snowfall, wet snow, rain, and icy conditions are disrupting traffic across several provinces, leading to the closure of several major road arteries. Drivers are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution.
South Africa is facing turbulent weather phenomena caused by significant precipitation and snowfall, resulting in disruptions in various regions. The KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces have been most severely affected, with numerous main roads closed due to snowfall. Nevertheless, snowfall has also been recorded in parts of the Western Cape, while wet snow and other adverse conditions are observed in Free State, Mpumalanga, and other provinces.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation has issued an urgent appeal to drivers to exercise maximum caution under the prevailing conditions. In a statement published on Monday afternoon, the organization reported on the roads affected by the adverse weather.
Situation in KwaZulu-Natal
In KwaZulu-Natal, the N3 road is closed between Estcourt and Harrismith in the Free State. Drivers are not advised to use the N3 for travel to KZN. Additionally, the road is closed in the Midmar/Howick area.
Additional issues include: Van Reenen Pass, which is extremely dangerous due to black ice, and movement over it is not recommended; the R617 road is closed between Kokstad and Onderberg after a truck got stuck in King'scote, and traffic has been diverted to R56; the R74 road is closed between Harrismith and Bergville on Oliver's Hook pass; the R74 (Greytown/Colenso) is closed due to heavy snowfall in Santa Maria; and sections of R103 and the Toll Gate to Tugela are completely closed due to severe weather. Conditions on the road from Lions River to Nottingham are very difficult, and traffic is moving at about 20 km/h.
Situation in Eastern Cape
The following roads are completely closed: N6 (Penhook Pass) between Komani (Queenstown) and Jamestown; N9 (Lootsberg Pass) between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg; R58 (Barkly Pass) between Elliot and Barkley East; and Boysmanshoek Pass between Sterkfontein and Molteno.
Situation in Free State
On the N3 section between Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass, drivers should proceed with extreme caution. Emergency crews are spraying salt on all lanes to prevent black ice formation. Wet snow and rain are occurring between Warden and Mooi River, and there is a layer of snow visible in Swinburne, so drivers are urged to immediately reduce speed. The R74 road on Oliver's Hook pass, between Harrismith and Bergville, is considered a high-risk zone. Although the route was previously passable, conditions are deteriorating rapidly towards the KZN border. Ice crusts have affected areas around the Matatile border and regional roads in the southern Free State, and mountain passes may be temporarily closed.
Situation in Mpumalanga
In most areas of Mpumalanga, traffic is proceeding normally. However, Long Tom Pass on R37 was closed after several vehicles got stuck on slippery ascents, and road services blocked access from both sides. The N4/N12 split is open but poses a high risk. Emergency services reported numerous accidents due to poor visibility and wet, icy road surfaces. Roads in Belfast, Dullstroom, and Russenekal (R540) are open, but extreme caution is required. Light snow and heavy wet snow have affected the verges, creating potentially icy patches. Drizzle and localized icy conditions are reported in Volksrust and Ermelo, and strong crosswinds are affecting high-sided vehicles.
Situation in Western Cape
Traffic in the Western Cape is moderate, but Swartberg Pass and the Mont Rochelle/Franschhoek roads are closed due to snow.
In other parts of South Africa, traffic is running smoothly in Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and North Cape, although some areas are experiencing cold and damp conditions.
