Government says disaster management teams are on standby across the country following adverse weather conditions, including wet, very cold and windy conditions.
This comes as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow affecting parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State. In KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, authorities are closely monitoring conditions along the N3 and other major routes.
Other areas, including parts of Mpumalanga and the Western Cape, are also experiencing adverse winter weather, with some routes affected by snowfall, icy conditions and strong winds.
A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive winds has also been issued for parts of the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
In the North West, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has called on communities across the province to exercise extreme caution and protect themselves, their families and their property during this period.
“Government urges members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution as severe winter weather, including heavy snowfall, freezing conditions, rain and strong winds, affects several parts of the country.
“The weather has already resulted in several road closures and disruptions across several provinces,” read a statement from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
Furthermore, government has undertaken to closely monitor the weather system and its impacts across the country and will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect communities and road users.
According to the GCIS, response measures are being coordinated through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), provincial and local disaster management structures, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders.
Motorists have also been urged to exercise caution and heed the warnings issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
“Authorities are assessing road conditions, managing closures where necessary and working to keep affected routes safe and accessible where conditions permit.
“Government further appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and emergency officials.
“Road closures are implemented to protect lives, and motorists should not attempt to bypass barriers or access roads that have been declared unsafe,” added the GCIS.
Meanwhile, the SAWS has issued weather warnings for disruptive snow, disruptive rain and damaging winds in parts of the country on Tuesday.
According to the weather service, snowfall is possible over mountainous areas, while rough seas are expected along the coast.
