Mangaung metro has issued a weather advisory for residents following warnings from the South African Weather Service. Cold, partly cloudy conditions are expected in Bloemfontein and surrounding areas, accompanied by the possibility of rain.

The weather service has issued multiple alerts, including Yellow Level 2, Orange Level 8, and Yellow Level 4 warnings for affected parts of the country. For Bloemfontein and the surrounding areas, cold and partly cloudy conditions are expected, accompanied by morning frost and the possibility of rainfall.

A developing cut-off low-pressure system is expected to affect large parts of the country from Wednesday into Thursday, according to the weather service.

The weather system is expected to bring widespread cold, wet, and windy conditions with heavy rainfall. This may result in flooding of roads, bridges, low-lying settlements, and river crossings.

“Residents are encouraged to remain alert and take the necessary precautions during this period,” said acting metro spokesperson Nicolette Maysiels. “The city urges residents to drive cautiously and reduce speed on wet and slippery roads.

“We urge residents to protect children, the elderly and other vulnerable people from the cold, and to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, and to ensure heating appliances are used safely and responsibly.”

Winter road safety tips:

• reduce speed and adjust driving according to prevailing weather conditions;
• increase following distances between vehicles and drive with headlights switched on during foggy or low-visibility conditions;
• ensure tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers are in good condition; and
• avoid sudden braking and sharp steering movements on slippery surfaces, and do not drink and drive.

Arrive Alive issued an urgent safety warning to motorists travelling on the N1 in and around Bloemfontein, after three separate vehicle accidents were reported within an approximately 10km radius of Bloemfontein.

“The incidents are believed to be directly related to hail accumulation on the roadway, resulting in extremely slippery conditions and vehicles losing traction and sliding,” it said in a statement. 

“Road surfaces may appear wet but could be covered with hail, significantly reducing grip and increasing stopping distances.”

The MEC for community safety, roads and transport, Jabu Mbalula, has urged all road users to prioritise safety and responsible road use. “These weather conditions require motorists to adapt their driving behaviour and remain vigilant at all times.

“The loss of life on our roads is deeply concerning, and we call on motorists, public transport operators, pedestrians and cyclists to play their part in ensuring safer roads throughout the province.”

The onset of winter brings additional risks for motorists, including reduced visibility due to fog, slippery road surfaces caused by frost and dew, and longer periods of darkness during peak travel times, he said.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame

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