Snow Warning in September: One Year After Deadly Mountain Pass Storm

A Year After the Storm, New Alerts Raised

Snow Warning in September is again in the spotlight. Almost a year after the 2024 Van Reenen’s Pass snowstorm left motorists stranded and caused a fatality, forecasters are warning of possible snowfall this week.

While September is usually late in the season for snow, conditions remain unpredictable in high-altitude areas. Light falls are possible in Lesotho and may extend to parts of the Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal if freezing levels drop. Authorities are urging caution for anyone planning to travel through mountain passes.

The Van Reenen’s Pass Snowstorm of 2024

On 20 September 2024, a cut-off cold front swept across the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal. Within hours, heavy snow and ice closed Van Reenen’s Pass on the N3, trapping more than 1,800 vehicles, according to reports. Motorists endured freezing conditions overnight as emergency teams tried to reach them.

The storm proved deadly. A 39-year-old woman travelling in a taxi died from hypothermia after prolonged exposure to the cold. Paramedics attempted resuscitation when the vehicle was freed the next day, but she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Relief efforts involved disaster management teams and the South African National Defence Force, but the storm exposed weaknesses in response coordination and communication.

Snow Warning in September 2025: What Forecasters Say

Recent forecasts indicate:

• Lesotho: Snow is likely in high-lying areas.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Light snowfall is possible in the Drakensberg and southern Drakensberg.
• Eastern Cape: Small accumulations may occur near Barkly Pass, Naude’s Nek, and Rhodes if conditions align.
• Free State: Snowfall risk along the border with Lesotho.
• Van Reenen’s Pass: Forecasters caution that even a thin layer of snow could disrupt travel on the N3.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has not confirmed widespread heavy snowfall for all these passes but does warn that freezing levels and moisture shifts can quickly change forecasts. Travellers are urged to prepare for possible road closures and delays.

Government Warnings and Safety Advice

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has advised communities to prepare for severe weather events, stressing that even light snowfall can have significant impacts.

Risks include:

• Hazardous roads and sudden closures of major passes.
• Hypothermia and exposure for motorists stranded without supplies.
• Livestock and crop losses in rural communities.
• Strain on health and emergency services.

Expert Insights: How Climate Variability Shapes Snow

Experts note that September snow is unusual but not without precedent:

• The Natalia Journal documents past late-season snowfalls in the Drakensberg, sometimes lasting into October.
• A Water SA study finds KwaZulu-Natal is warming overall but experiencing increased variability in rainfall and cold events.
• A 2025 ScienceDirect study links climate change to greater weather unpredictability, meaning both sudden heatwaves and rare snowstorms remain possible.

What South Africa Learnt From 2024

The events of last year underline several lessons:

• Take weather alerts seriously: Motorists who ignored warnings were most affected.
• Travel prepared: Food, water, warm clothing, and blankets should be carried when using high-altitude routes.
• Rapid closures save lives: Authorities need to act faster in blocking dangerous routes.
• Communication matters: Wider use of SMS alerts and traffic apps could prevent motorists from being caught unaware.

The Wider Impact of September Snow

Snowfall affects more than travel. Its ripple effects include:

• Freight disruption: The N3 is a vital trade route, and closures delay national supply chains.
• Tourism risks: While snow attracts visitors to mountain resorts, access problems deter travellers.
• Agricultural challenges: Frost and snow damage livestock and crops.
• Public health: Hypothermia and respiratory issues increase in vulnerable households.

Preparing for Future Snow Events

South Africa is improving its readiness, but more can be done:

• Invest in better forecasting tools at SAWS.
• Upgrade road infrastructure with snow-clearing equipment in key passes.
• Expand community awareness campaigns about winter safety.
• Build climate adaptation policies that include snow events in resilience planning.

Why This Year’s Snow Warning in September Matters

The snow warning in September serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by sudden cold fronts in South Africa’s mountain regions. The tragedy at Van Reenen’s Pass in 2024 showed how quickly conditions can turn deadly.

With forecasters again predicting possible snow for Lesotho, Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal, authorities and travellers need to prepare. Vigilance, preparation, and timely action can ensure that history does not repeat itself.

Check Out: Today’s Weather Forecast – 23 September 2025