Roads Re-opened Across Provinces After Heavy Snowstorm
After a severe snowstorm hit several provinces in South Africa, the government has declared that roads affected by the harsh weather have now been re-opened. The storm primarily impacted parts of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Free State, where snow and icy conditions made many roads impassable. Numerous major routes, including the N3 Highway, were temporarily closed to prevent accidents, particularly near Van Reenen’s Pass.
The snowstorm affected key regions of South Africa, especially the mountainous areas of the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. The N3 highway, connecting Johannesburg and Durban, saw heavy snow, particularly around Van Reenen’s Pass, which led to significant traffic disruptions and closures. Additionally, several secondary roads and passes within these provinces were also impacted by ice, hindering transportation and logistics. On Friday, The South African Weather Service sent out a warning and urged residents to avoid traveling as there were high chances of snowfall and icy conditions.
The severe weather caused multiple road closures as authorities scrambled to respond to deteriorating conditions. Roads were rendered dangerous due to icy patches and accumulating snow, which led to hazardous driving conditions. Emergency response teams, including police and rescue personnel, were deployed to aid stranded motorists and ensure the safety of all travelers.
During the storm, several vehicles were trapped along key routes, leading to traffic jams. The freezing weather posed a risk to both cars and passengers, as visibility was also significantly reduced. There are two known and reported deaths directly linked to the snowstorm.
The South African government and relevant authorities acted swiftly to mitigate the storm’s impact. The National Traffic Information System (NATIS) played a key role in issuing real-time updates about road closures and providing safety advice to motorists. Additionally, emergency services and provincial road agencies deployed snowplows and salt trucks to clear affected areas. Police also provided roadside assistance, aiding motorists in navigating difficult conditions and ensuring safe passage.
As part of the effort, shelters were set up for stranded travelers, and transportation of essential goods, such as food and medical supplies, was prioritized. Authorities worked diligently with rescue services to provide aid, particularly to those trapped in vehicles on the N3 and other major routes.
The government also called for patience as cleanup operations and road assessments were carried out. By the time the snow subsided, crews were working to clear debris and ensure roads were safe for traffic to resume.
Following several days of intense weather, the government has announced that all major roads are now open to traffic. The N3 highway and other affected routes were successfully cleared, allowing travel to resume without restrictions. While the worst of the storm is over, officials urged caution, especially in regions that could still experience icy conditions.
With two reported fatalities, the swift government response and effective coordination between provincial and national authorities have been credited with managing the storm’s impact. Motorists are still advised to check weather conditions and stay informed about road safety updates as these winter weather conditions continue.
The snowstorm, which brought widespread road closures across South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal, has finally come to an end, with roads now reopened. Thanks to the efforts of government agencies and emergency services, travel has resumed, and no major injuries or fatalities were reported. However, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of caution on the roads as South Africa’s winter weather remains unpredictable.
