Heavy snow prompts travel warnings in parts of KZN and Eastern Cape
Although Underberg remains snow-free, heavy snowfall has been reported on key routes in the Eastern Cape, creating hazardous driving conditions.
It's been snowing in parts of the southern Drakensberg.
Michelle Stevens, the chairperson of the Underberg-based Southern Drakensberg Community Tourism Organisation, says says snowfall is currently confined to the upper reaches of Sani Pass.
Snow reaches Sani
“Down in Underberg, there is no snow. It's very overcast with drizzle and it's cold. It's very cold,” says Stevens.
“We've only got reports of snow at the top of Sani Pass. The border post is still open, so it's not sufficient to close. The only border that has been closed is [Bushman's] Nek, which is along the Drakens gardens Road and mostly used for hiking.
Stevens says they have been preparing for snowfall.
“What we've all done is gotten enormous amounts of firewood and topped up with gas cylinders. Our RTI and local traffic departments are very visible on the roads as well. We are prepared, and I would imagine the hotels are just looking for feedback on that regarding weather changes.
“But at the moment, there is no reason to panic. Everything is clear at the bottom.”
On Wednesday morning, Newswatch spoke to Michelle Stevens, who is the chair of the Underberg-based Southern Drakensberg Community Tourism Organisation. She says they’re well prepared.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport's Ndabzinhle Sibiya says RTI teams have been monitoring key routes since Tuesday night.
He says graders are on standby to clear snow before it accumulates to dangerous levels.
“In Van Reenan between Harrismith and Ladysmith, that area is being closely monitored to ensure road closure where necessary. This will help to prevent motorists from being stuck.
Slippery roads reported
Across the border in the Eastern Cape, the R58 between Lady Grey and Ekhepini is experiencing heavy snow.
Provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose says snowfall has also been reported on the R56 between Matatiele and Mount Fletcher.
“Our road maintenance and traffic law enforcement teams remain on high alert as severe winter weather continues to affect several parts of the province. We are currently monitoring active snowfall. Although no crashes have been reported, road surfaces remain wet and extremely slippery. We appeal to all motorists to postpone non-essential travel where possible.”
