What you must do now: delay non‑essential travel, follow road‑closure notices, carry warm clothing and emergency supplies in vehicles, and avoid snow‑chasing. If you must travel, allow extra time, reduce speed, and expect sudden hazardous conditions.
Nationwide warning: cold, snow and severe storms
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast a period of very cold conditions across much of the country accompanied by snowfall, dangerous winds and severe thunderstorms. The system is expected to produce disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu‑Natal, while thunderstorms may affect Gauteng, the Free State, North West and the eastern interior.
Forecasters say the severe thunderstorms carry the risk of localised flooding, hail and damaging winds. These hazards can cause sudden travel disruption and damage to property and infrastructure.
Where snow and disruption have been reported
On 10 August 2026 multiple reports and traffic authorities confirmed snowfall and hazardous driving conditions across several routes and mountain passes:
- KwaZulu‑Natal: Several roads closed, including the R617 near Kokstad; traffic diverted to the R56. Authorities have requested motorists delay trips and prohibited snow chasing.
- Eastern Cape & Western Cape highlands: Snow reported on the Swartberg Pass between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert in the Little Karoo, and between Graaff‑Reinet and Nieu‑Bethesda in the Great Karoo.
- Northern Cape: Snow reported around Barkly West.
| Province/Area | Reported/disruptive conditions |
|---|---|
| KwaZulu‑Natal | Road closures (R617 near Kokstad), heavy snow on Drakensberg routes; traffic diversions |
| Eastern Cape | Snow between Graaff‑Reinet and Nieu‑Bethesda; hazardous passes |
| Western Cape (Little Karoo) | Snow on Swartberg Pass between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert |
| Northern Cape | Snow reported in Barkly West |
Transport and safety advice
Traffic authorities and local disaster management services are urging caution. Practical steps to reduce risk include:
- Postpone travel on routes with active closures or heavy snow.
- If you must drive, ensure your vehicle has warm clothing, a charged phone, water and basic emergency supplies.
- Drive slowly and increase following distance — hail and icy patches reduce grip and increase stopping distances.
- Obey diversion signs and instructions from traffic officials; do not attempt closed mountain passes.
- Avoid ‘snow chasing’ — stopping on narrow or steep roads puts you and others at risk.
Roading authorities are already diverting traffic in affected areas and advising motorists to use alternative routes where available.
Home and community precautions
Cold, windy conditions combined with frozen precipitation increase risks to households and infrastructure. Residents are advised to:
- Keep warm using safe heating methods and never leave heat sources unattended.
- Prepare for possible short‑term power interruptions by charging devices and having torches and warm blankets ready.
- Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and ensure they have adequate heating and supplies.
Emergency services and municipal disaster teams may be operating under increased demand; non‑urgent enquiries should be delayed to keep lines clear for life‑threatening incidents.
What to watch for next: SAWS updates and local traffic authority notices will provide the latest on closures, warnings and weather shifts. Expect continued cold conditions and targeted warnings where snowfall or severe storms develop further.
Keep tuned to official channels for confirmed road closures and weather alerts, and adjust plans accordingly to stay safe.
