Staff Reporter
Snow closed Sani Pass on Friday while storm damage was reported in northern KwaZulu-Natal, as forecasters warned of disruptive snow, damaging coastal conditions and bitter cold in parts of the country.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said heavy snowfall on the Lesotho side of Sani Pass had forced the immediate closure of the mountain route, which links KZN with Lesotho.
Motorists and travellers intending to cross into Lesotho from KwaZulu-Natal have been advised to postpone their trips until authorities declare the route safe.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecast cold and disruptive conditions across several provinces on Friday, including disruptive snow over the north-eastern high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape.
SAWS also issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for wind and waves between Plettenberg Bay and East London, warning that conditions could make navigation difficult and result in small vessels taking on water.
Very cold conditions were also expected over parts of the Northern Cape, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape interior.
In KZN, Cogta said a severe storm swept through the uMlalazi Local Municipality (Melmoth area) on Thursday afternoon, uprooting trees and damaging residential roofs.
The KZN Provincial Disaster Management Centre said emergency response teams were on the ground and that the full extent of the damage would be known once formal assessments had been completed.
KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi told residents to take precautions as freezing conditions persisted.
“We appeal to our communities to exercise extreme caution as they keep warm. If you are using braziers or generators, ensure they are operated safely and in well-ventilated spaces to avoid tragedy. Most importantly, protect our children, keep them far away from heat-producing appliances and never leave them unattended,” Buthelezi said.
Motorists across KwaZulu-Natal have been urged to drive carefully on slippery roads.
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