Snow warning reduced for KZN, EC and Free State, but icy conditions remain

Over the past two days, the Eastern Cape, parts of KwaZulu-Natal and areas between the Free State and South Africa’s border with Lesotho have been covered in snow.

While the South African Weather Service previously issued orange level 5 and yellow level 2 warnings for disruptive snow, the national weather agency has since downgraded them as snow caused by a closed low system is no longer expected to fall over the mountains or mountain passes.

However, SAWS meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela told Daily Maverick that motorists should brace for icy road conditions.

“In the coming days, cold conditions will continue, but we do not expect any accumulation of snow, at least for the rest of the week. However, motorists should expect icy conditions on the roads, especially around Matatiele (Free State), Sani Pass (KZN), Barkly Pass (Eastern Cape) and areas over the south-western parts of KZN into the Underberg area,” Thobela said.

As the snow and ice melted over the next two days, road conditions should improve.

Thobela said snow conditions are not unusual.

“The most snow we get generally comes in August, but it’s really typical to get it around this time of year. Temperatures may be above normal, but we’re still in winter,” he said.

KZN sends graders to clear R617

The KwaZulu-Natal transport department has deployed graders on the R617 between Underberg and Swartberg to clear the snow before it exceeds 30cm.

Although the disruptive snow warning has been lowered, the department said the graders were deployed to prevent a repeat of the September 2024 snowfall that left more than 1,800 vehicles stranded near Van Reenen’s Pass.

While traffic officials have been dispatched to monitor road conditions under the province’s Snow Response Plan, the department has urged motorists to exercise extreme caution in areas affected by snowfall.

The new Qacha access port is temporarily closed

In the Free State, operations at the Qacha’s Nek port of entry in Matatiele have been temporarily suspended by the Border Management Authority (BMA).

BMA Commissioner Dr. Michael Masiapato said the border authority made this decision in the interest of travelers, BMA staff and the entire border management community as the snowfall has led to unsafe weather conditions.

Travelers and commercial operators have been advised to postpone their travel or use the Telle Bridge Port of Entry, approximately 190km away in Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape. DM