What to do now: if you must travel, delay non-essential trips through mountain areas, check road-status updates before leaving and carry warm clothing, a charged phone and an emergency kit. If you are on the road, obey closure signs and follow directions from traffic and emergency officers.
Orange Level 6 alert issued for disruptive snow
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has upgraded conditions in some high-lying regions to an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow, as a bitter cold front brings heavy snow and wintry conditions to parts of the country. The alert covers sections of the Eastern Cape and Free State, where authorities reported significant disruption to travel and local services.
Eastern Cape officials said a number of mountain passes remain closed after snowfall made the routes unsafe for motorists. Traffic authorities and emergency services are managing the closures and advising travellers to use alternative roads where possible.
Closed passes and alternative routing
The following passes in the Eastern Cape were reported closed to traffic:
- Barkly Pass – R58 between Ekhephini (Barkly East) and Khowa (Elliot)
- Penhoek Pass – N6 between Komani and James Calata (Jamestown)
- Boesmanshoek Pass – between Sterkstroom and Molteno
- Qashas Nek Pass – between Matatiele and Lesotho
- Lootsberg Pass – N9 between Robert Sobukwe (Graaff-Reinet) and Middelburg
| Pass | Route | Suggested action |
|---|---|---|
| Barkly Pass | R58 (Ekhephini – Khowa) | Do not attempt. Use lower-altitude alternatives where available. |
| Penhoek Pass | N6 (Komani – James Calata) | Closed — follow traffic authority instructions. |
| Boesmanshoek Pass | Sterkstroom – Molteno | Avoid; expect delays on alternate routes. |
| Qashas Nek | Matatiele – Lesotho | Closed — cross-border routes likely affected. |
| Lootsberg Pass | N9 (Graaff-Reinet – Middelburg) | Use the N9/N6 to the R61 to Nxuba then rejoin N10 as an alternate, where possible. |
Authorities also offered a detailed alternative for travellers on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg: from Graaff-Reinet follow the N9/N6 towards the R61 to Nxuba and then rejoin the N10 towards Middelburg where conditions allow.
"Avoid closed routes, obey road closure signs and follow instructions from traffic and emergency personnel."
The statement quoted above was reported by ENCA as guidance from traffic and emergency services managing the cold-front response.
Wider weather impacts
SAWS has also issued Yellow Level 2 snow warnings in other areas, while damaging winds are expected along parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Gauteng faces the risk of severe thunderstorms as the same system moves through lower-lying regions, raising the possibility of travel disruption beyond the mountain areas.
Drivers should be aware that winter conditions can change rapidly at higher altitudes: visibility may drop suddenly in heavy snow, roads may become icy, and services such as tow and recovery can be delayed. If you become stranded, remain with your vehicle where it provides shelter, preserve battery life and call for help.
Safety checklist for drivers and residents
- Check SAWS and provincial road-status updates before setting out.
- If travelling through affected areas, carry warm clothing, blankets, water, food, a torch and a first-aid kit.
- Keep a fully charged phone and a car charger or powerbank.
- Do not attempt closed mountain passes; follow official diversions.
- If you encounter heavy snow or ice, reduce speed, increase following distance and use dipped headlights.
Emergency services are mobilised in affected provinces. Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and postpone journeys that are not essential until conditions improve.
We will continue to monitor updates from SAWS and provincial traffic authorities and will publish further travel advisories as new information becomes available.
