Act now: postpone non-essential travel, check the status of mountain passes before you depart, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and dress in warm, layered clothing. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of very cold conditions and a mix of snowfall, heavy rain and damaging winds affecting large parts of the country.
What to expect
SAWS forecasted very cold conditions across most provinces, with disruptive snowfall expected in parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu‑Natal. The agency also warned of the possibility of severe thunderstorms over Gauteng, the Free State, North West and the eastern interior, which could bring localised flooding, hail and damaging winds.
Roads and travel
Severe weather is already affecting travel. Heavy snow, sleet, rain and icy conditions have been reported across multiple provinces and several major routes are impacted. Reports show that the N3, R617, R74, N6 and N9 have been affected, with some sections closed and others hazardous. Authorities are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution.
- Check before you travel: routes can open and close quickly as teams clear snow or respond to hazards.
- Keep a charged cellphone, warm blankets and food in your vehicle in case you become stranded.
- Reduce speed on wet or icy roads and allow increased stopping distance.
Latest route updates and local impacts
Provincial traffic authorities provided a running update on affected routes. By late afternoon, the KwaZulu‑Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) reported several passes and routes that had been re‑opened after snowfall clearing operations. At the same time, some municipal officials reported remaining closures earlier in the day, illustrating how conditions can change rapidly.
| Route / area | Situation reported |
|---|---|
| R617 (Kokstad – Swartberg to Evatt) | Re‑opened to traffic (RTI) |
| R617 (Underberg – Kokstad) | Reported re‑opened; motorists advised to take care on wet, slippery surfaces |
| R56 (Kokstad – New Amalfi) | Re‑opened |
| N2 (Kokstad toward Brook’s Nek) | Wet due to snowfall; caution advised |
Earlier reports in the day noted some closures continued in places, including segments of the R617, and authorities reminded drivers that conditions can deteriorate without warning.
Communities and services
Snow has been reported in several KwaZulu‑Natal localities. Impendle Local Municipality, outside Pietermaritzburg, recorded snowfall that blanketed parts of the area. The KwaZulu‑Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements announced deployment of a roving human settlements team to assist communities in distress where needed.
Beyond the highlands, severe thunderstorms and heavy rain pose a flood risk in some low‑lying and urban areas. Residents in flood‑prone neighbourhoods should monitor local municipal notices and move to higher ground if advised.
“Very cold conditions across most of the country, with disruptive snowfall expected in parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu‑Natal,” reported SAWS.
Safety checklist
- Delay non‑essential travel where possible; check RTI or provincial traffic updates for the latest route status.
- If you must travel, carry warm clothing, a fully charged phone, a torch, water and snacks, and inform someone of your route and estimated arrival time.
- Avoid driving through standing water and never attempt to cross fast‑flowing streams or flooded roads.
- Attend to livestock and vulnerable people early — small‑scale farmers in mountain areas may find grazing covered by snow.
Weather conditions are evolving. Road statuses, pass accessibility and service responses are changing as crews work to clear snow and make routes safe. Keep tuned to SAWS bulletins, provincial traffic updates and municipal advisories for the latest information.
