KZN, EC residents urged to brace for incoming cold front
Forecaster Sameklisiwe Thwala said that a level four weather warning continues for KZN, with an alert level two warning issued for the Eastern Cape for disruptive rains.
Cold winter gear. Picture: Pixabay.com
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Weather Service is warning KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape residents to brace for a cold front with adverse weather.
KZN has already been hit hard by harsh weather in recent days, with the cooperative governance and traditional affairs department urging residents to exercise caution.
Forecaster Sameklisiwe Thwala said that a level four weather warning continues for the province, with an alert level two warning issued for the Eastern Cape for disruptive rains.
"Temperatures are expected to slightly drop a bit as we are expecting some snow over the highlying areas of Lesotho, however, not affecting parts of South Africa. We are expecting a yellow level four warning for most parts over KZN., This warning can lead to a possibility of flooding of roads and settlements."
Meanwhile, as KwaZulu-Natal braces for severe weather conditions, the provincial transport department has dispatched traffic teams that will monitor and deal with any incidents.
KZN residents have been contending with harsh weather conditions as disruptive rains persist.
Motorists travelling to the province or surrounding areas are urged to exercise caution and monitor weather reports.
Department spokesperson, Ndabezinhle Sibiya: "Road safety and traffic inspectorate, the team will coordinate possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with the N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on the N3 between Harrismith, Tugela toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi River, and others. We wish to indicate that the team will also be responsible for escorting trucks and vehicles to ensure that there is no congestion on the road."
Sibiya said that drawing from past experiences, they were fully aware of the hazards and havoc associated with the snow.
Last year, hundreds of people were stranded on the N3 near Van Reenen's Pass for over 12 hours in knee-deep snow, in which two people died from hyperthermia.
"Drivers of motor graders have been sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before it accumulates on the road. More than 10 graders will be stationed on identified routes to ensure that our response is faster."