Motorists travelling in the eastern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape interior have been urged to postpone their trips due of dangerous road conditions.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 6 disruptive snow warning for several municipalities in the Free State, such as Dihlabeng (Bethlehem and Clarens) and Maluti-a-Phofung (Harrismith and Qwaqwa).

A severe snowstorm has disrupted traffic flow on the N3, R74, and R712 routes towards Golden Gate. The disruption stretches from Warden, worsening at Harrismith, where icy conditions and continuous snowfall have rendered the road undrivable.

Weather outlook for today: Saturday, 21 September 2024#saws#southafrican#WeatherUpdate#weatheroutlook#southafricanweather pic.twitter.com/dGKuBSRElQ

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) September 21, 2024

“Unfortunately, several accidents have occurred since last night due to hazardous road conditions, resulting from icy surfaces and drivers failing to adapt to the conditions,” said Free State Community Safety, Roads and Transport spokesperson Hillary Mophethe.

“Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported thus far. Motorists should avoid travelling to affected areas until further notice.”

Safety precautions for motorists stuck on the roads:

• Stay in your vehicle: If you are stranded, it’s safer to stay inside your vehicle and wait for help. Don’t leave the vehicle to search for assistance, unless help is visible within 100 m.
• Signal for help: Display a brightly coloured cloth (preferably red) on your radio antenna or hang it out of the window to signal for help. Raise the hood after the snow stops falling.
• Run the engine sparingly: Run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. Ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Conserve fuel: Use your vehicle’s heater sparingly to conserve fuel. Keep a window slightly open to allow fresh air in.
• Stay visible: Keep the dim light on at night when running the engine. This uses a small amount of electricity and helps rescuers see you.
• Stay warm: Use blankets, extra clothing, or anything available to stay warm. Move your arms and legs occasionally to maintain circulation.
• Stay hydrated: Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, but avoid alcohol as it lowers body temperature.
• Monitor weather updates for clearance timelines.
• Cooperate with deployed officers ensuring public safety.
• Exercise extreme caution when driving in hazardous conditions.

The Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said it’s received several calls for assistance from motorists stranded on the N3 near Harrismith. Callers were concerned for the well-being of the elderly and children who had not had access to food and water after vehicles they were travelling in became stuck on the freeway travelling to and from Gauteng.

“The Rusa helicopter is being pre-flighted (weather dependent) for take-off to assist with supplies. It’s been reported that visibility on the route is poor due to fog. The aircraft pilot and crew are on standby for clearance,” said Rusa.

SAWS has predicted that snow clearance is expected on Sunday (22/9).

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg/mc