KwaZulu-Natal is on high alert as disaster management teams prepare for severe cold and light snowfall, with warnings issued for motorists and farmers to stay vigilant amid changing weather conditions.
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The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has placed disaster management teams on high alert as an intense weather system is expected to bring bitterly cold temperatures and light snowfall to parts of the province.
Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi called on residents, motorists, and farmers to remain vigilant as a severe weather system moves across parts of South Africa.
“According to the official weather advisory issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), an intense Cut-Off Low pressure system is currently bringing bitterly cold, wet, and windy conditions to several provinces,” the department said.
The advisory noted that while the heaviest disruptive rainfall is expected in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal will experience a sharp drop in temperatures, with light snowfall forecast over the Drakensberg mountain range on Thursday.
Cogta sought to reassure motorists that the snowfall is not expected to affect traffic flow on the province’s key transport route.
“According to SAWS assessments, the expected snow is not anticipated to cause disruptions or closures over the Van Reenen's Pass region of the N3 highway,” the department said.
“KZN’s primary economic route remains open and safe.”
However, road users were urged to exercise caution.
“We urge all road users to keep a safe following distance, turn on their headlights, and drive with extra care in the wet and cold conditions,” the department said.
The warning comes as the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) appeals to motorists across the country to prepare for hazardous driving conditions linked to severe weather forecasts.
The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 8 warning and a Yellow Level 4 warning for parts of the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall, strong winds, reduced visibility, localised flooding, and icy conditions.
“The Road Traffic Management Corporation warns that wet and slippery roads significantly increase the risk of crashes, particularly during peak travel periods,” the agency said.
Drivers have been advised to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, switch on headlights during rain, fog, or poor visibility, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling.
Motorists were also warned against attempting to cross flooded roads.
“Be alert for flooded roads and low-water bridges and never attempt to drive through fast-flowing water,” the RTMC said.
The corporation further urged drivers to postpone non-essential travel if conditions worsen and to remain updated on weather forecasts and traffic advisories.
In a message aimed at commercial vehicle operators and public transport drivers, the RTMC encouraged pre-trip safety inspections and ongoing monitoring of route conditions.
RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane stressed that drivers should stop travelling if visibility becomes compromised.
“Drivers are advised to find a place to park and stop driving when visibility becomes poor regardless of whether they are familiar with the route or not,” Zwane said.
“The key message: don’t drive on memory, drive on visibility.”
Meanwhile, Cogta warned farmers in high-lying areas and districts near the Drakensberg to take steps to protect their animals from the severe cold.
“Farmers in high-lying areas and districts close to the Drakensberg must move their livestock and pets to adequate shelter and warmth to protect them from the severe cold,” the department said.
The department also advised hikers and tourists to avoid mountain excursions during the cold spell.
“Anyone planning trips or hikes up the Drakensberg mountains should put those plans on hold. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly.”
Cogta said the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had activated the necessary response protocols and that municipal disaster management teams had been placed on high alert.
“Emergency crews are monitoring high-risk areas closely and are ready to step in should the weather take an unexpected turn for the worse,” the department said.
The department also appealed to the public not to circulate unverified weather warnings on social media.
“We urge the public not to share unverified weather warnings or voice notes on social media, as this causes unnecessary panic. Always rely on official updates from SAWS.”
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