Barkly Pass in the Eastern Cape closed after heavy snowfalls | News24

A minibus taxi was stuck along the R58 between Barkly East and Elliot due to snowfalls on Monday morning. (Supplied/Eastern Cape Transport Department)

• Eastern Cape traffic officials are on high alert after snowfall in high-lying areas. 
• The Barkly Pass on the R58 between Barkly East and Elliot was closed on Monday morning. 
• Other mountainous routes in the province also face possible closure.

Eastern Cape traffic officials have closed Barkly Pass, on the R58 route between Barkly East and Elliot, on Monday morning due to heavy snowfalls, while closure of other mountainous routes in the province is imminent.

Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson Unathi Binqose said some vehicles were stuck in the snow on the R58.

Binqose said authorities were also keeping an eye on snowfall-prone routes such as Penhoek Pass on the N6 between Komani and Jamestown, Lootsberg Pass on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg, and Wapadsberg Pass on the R61 between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock.

Binqose said these mountainous passes could also be closed.

READ | Weather warning: Authorities on high alert from Western Cape to Gauteng and KZN amid severe forecast

Monday morning’s weather forecast for Barkly East was -3º Celsius with a maximum of zero degrees in the afternoon.  

“Road users are urged to be extra cautious when approaching some of the high-laying areas and mountain passes as snow continues falling, mainly in the northern parts of the province,” said Binqose.

“We are requesting obedience and understanding of the situation from the affected motorists,” Binqose added.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo City Metro’s disaster management is on high alert after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecast damaging winds for the area.

“We are observing the development of strong winds and rough seas on the western coastline,” said metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya

“Our beaches’ emergency teams will monitor these wind developments closely, as we expect them to intensify [on Monday] morning,” Ngwenya added.