Eastern Cape snow warning: SAWS issues Yellow Level 2 alert as up to 35cm snow forecast

The Eastern Cape is bracing for disruptive snow, heavy rain and damaging weather as a cold front moves across parts of South Africa.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive snow from Sunday, with 25 to 35 centimetres of snow expected in some areas.

The warning affects the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, Chris Hani District Municipality, and Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele local municipalities.

SAWS said the disruptive weather is expected to continue until Tuesday.

The weather service attributed the conditions to a steep upper trough, which is expected to develop into a cut-off low, together with a ridging high-pressure system passing through the Eastern Cape.

Flooding and damaging winds

SAWS warned that disruptive rain could result in localised flooding in vulnerable formal and informal settlements, roads and low-lying bridges.

Damaging winds and high waves are also expected to affect navigation at sea.

Snow possible in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng

Cloudy and cold to very cold conditions are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country on Monday and Tuesday.

Isolated to scattered rain and showers are possible, becoming widespread over the Eastern Cape on Monday.

Snow is also possible over parts of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the eastern parts of the Free State and the southern and eastern parts of Gauteng from late Monday evening into Tuesday morning.

However, SAWS said there is a low likelihood of snow in Gauteng.

IOL