The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said the cold front is expected to make landfall over the Western and Northern Cape, bringing cold to very cold, wet and windy conditions, rough seas and snowfall over mountainous areas. The system is expected to move eastwards, with the adverse conditions spreading to the Eastern Cape and further inland. 

Snow is expected over mountainous areas of the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, while there is a lower probability of light snow over some other higher-lying areas.

Traffic volumes

The expected weather conditions could result in localised flooding, damaging winds, rough seas, very cold conditions and snowfall over mountainous areas. These conditions could affect communities, infrastructure and travel.

The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) has warned traffic volumes are expected to increase as travellers head towards destinations in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Return traffic is expected to peak on Monday afternoon.Defensive driving remains essential, N3TC chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra said. Motorists have been advised to anticipate hazards, make safe decisions early, maintain enough space to react and adjust their driving to prevailing road and weather conditions.

Roadworks could cause further delays along the N3 Toll Route, with construction continuing between Heidelberg and Villiers, Warden and Harrismith, and Estcourt and Nottingham Road. 

Lane closures will remain in place during the long weekend, although at least one lane in each direction will remain open throughout the construction zones.

Motorists have been urged to approach these areas cautiously and remain alert to strong winds, veld fires and rapidly changing August weather conditions along rural sections. 

Acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa urged farmers to take appropriate measures to protect livestock from the cold, including ensuring animals have access to safe, sheltered and adequately protected areas.

"Government, through the relevant authorities, is monitoring the developing weather system and calls on communities, motorists, farmers and other members of the public to remain informed and take appropriate precautions." 

The public have been urged to:

• Monitor the latest SAWS weather forecasts and warnings and follow guidance issued by disaster management authorities.
• Plan journeys carefully and check weather and road conditions before travelling, particularly in areas where heavy rain, snow or strong winds are expected.
• Exercise extra caution when driving in adverse weather conditions, reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance and use headlights where visibility is poor.
• Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water, either on foot or in a vehicle. Turn around and seek a safer alternative route.
• Exercise particular caution when travelling through mountainous areas and mountain passes, where snowfall may result in slippery roads, hazardous driving conditions, road closures and travel disruptions.
• Communities living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should remain alert to rising water levels.
• Secure loose objects, equipment and structures around homes and properties that could be displaced or damaged by strong winds.
•  Ensure children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of communities are adequately protected from the cold.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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