Freezing weather at the end of the Women’s Day long weekend has brought significant disruption to KwaZulu-Natal’s road network, with snowfall, black ice, sleet and poor visibility forcing authorities to close major routes on Monday, 10 August 2026.
Travel warnings and route closures
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) urged drivers to exercise extreme caution and to avoid non-essential journeys as hazardous conditions developed along mountain passes and primary routes. The agency warned that heavy snowfall, black ice, sleet, freezing rain and poor visibility were affecting safety, particularly on high-altitude roads and toll routes.
“Heavy snowfall, black ice, sleet, freezing rain and poor visibility are creating hazardous conditions, particularly along mountain passes and major routes,” stated the RTMC.
The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) also reported deteriorating conditions along sections of the N3 Toll Route as northbound traffic built up heading towards Gauteng after the long weekend.
- Do not travel to KwaZulu-Natal via the N3 unless absolutely necessary, authorities advised.
- Motorists should expect complete closures in places and severe delays where roads remain open at reduced speeds.
- Emergency services and road crews are operating on affected routes, with brine application where possible to limit black ice formation.
Roads affected across provinces
Authorities confirmed multiple closures across several provinces; the worst-affected areas reported in the RTMC bulletin include the following:
| Province | Roads / Passes affected |
|---|---|
| KwaZulu-Natal / Free State | N3 closed between Estcourt and Harrismith; R74 (Oliviershoek Pass) closed; R74 Greytown/Colenso Road closed; R103 and Tugela Toll Plaza closed; R617 closed between Kokstad and Underberg; Van Reenen Pass extremely hazardous |
| Eastern Cape | N6 (Penhoek Pass) closed between Komani and Jamestown; N9 (Lootsberg Pass) closed between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg; R58 (Barkly Pass) closed between Elliot and Barkly East; Boesmanshoek Pass closed |
| Mpumalanga | Long Tom Pass (R37) completely closed after multiple vehicles were stranded |
| Western Cape | Swartberg Pass closed owing to snowfall |
Local reports and conditions in KZN
Initial snowfall reports came from Underberg, Kokstad and Clifton near Nottingham Road on Monday morning, with additional sightings in communities surrounding those areas as the cold front strengthened. The conditions led to stranded and slow-moving traffic in several rural corridors, while authorities temporarily shut toll plazas and redirect traffic where necessary.
Van Reenen Pass was singled out as particularly dangerous because of black ice forming on the pavement. In one area between Lions River and Nottingham Road drivers were forced to progress at roughly 20km/h as visibility and traction deteriorated.
Practical advice for motorists
If you must be on the road, take the following precautions:
- Delay non-essential travel until conditions improve and closures are lifted.
- Drive slowly and increase following distance; ice can form suddenly, especially on bridges and mountain sections.
- Keep headlights on low beam for better visibility in snow and sleet.
- Carry warm clothing, a charged mobile phone and an emergency kit; ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel.
- Follow official diversion routes and obey instructions from traffic or emergency personnel.
Who to watch for updates
Motorists should follow updates from the RTMC and N3TC for live information on closures and passability. Local traffic authorities and emergency services will issue further guidance as conditions evolve and crews work to clear and treat affected sections.
The sudden cold snap that brought snow to southern KZN and neighbouring high ground serves as a reminder that winter weather can close vital links quickly. Commuters returning to work or travelling long distances are advised to monitor official channels and to plan alternative routes where closures are in place.
Main city: Durban
