Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution as snowfall, icy roads, and freezing temperatures are expected to affect several parts of South Africa over the coming days, creating hazardous driving conditions and possible travel disruptions.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation warned severe weather could result in road closures, flooding, traffic delays and poor visibility, particularly on high- altitude routes and mountain passes where snow and ice are most likely to accumulate. Drivers should also use headlights in poor visibility and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling.

‘Reduce speed, avoid sudden braking’

Road users should reduce their speed, increase following distances and avoid sudden braking, harsh acceleration or sharp steering movements on slippery roads.

Motorists have been advised to carry warm clothing, blankets, drinking water, non-perishable food, a fully charged cellphone, and a torch. They should check weather forecasts and official traffic updates before departure and obey instructions from traffic officers and emergency personnel.

‘Road and weather conditions may change rapidly’

Road-user safety remains the RTMC’s main concern, spokesperson Simon Zwane said. Drivers who cannot avoid travelling must adjust their speed, maintain a safe following distance and remain alert as road and weather conditions may change rapidly.

“Motorists should never ignore road-closure signs or attempt to drive through snow-covered or icy roads. These restrictions are intended to protect lives, and ignoring them endangers drivers, passengers and emergency personnel who may have to assist,” Zwane said.

The RTMC is working with provincial and local traffic authorities, law enforcement agencies and emergency services to monitor conditions and respond where necessary. Road users have been urged to cooperate with officials and prioritise safety until the adverse weather has passed.

The South African Weather Service warned that very cold and wet conditions, accompanied by light snowfall, are expected across the southern Free State, parts of the Eastern Cape, southern KwaZulu-Natal and areas bordering Lesotho.

‘Farmers to protect livestock, crops and operations’

The conditions are being driven by a cut-off low-pressure system expected to move across the country before clearing from the west by Thursday. The Free State will be cold, with isolated to scattered showers and possible light snowfall along the Lesotho border.

The Northern Cape is expected to be cold to cool, with very cold conditions in the south, isolated to scattered showers in the south-east, and possible light snowfall in the province’s extreme south-eastern areas. Farmers should also take steps to protect livestock, crops and operations.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame   cvdw

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