Motorists across South Africa are facing difficult driving conditions as heavy snowfall, rain, sleet and ice disrupt travel in several provinces. KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape have recorded some of the most severe conditions, with several major routes closed.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists to avoid affected routes where possible and to exercise extreme caution. Snow has also been reported in parts of the Western Cape, while freezing conditions are affecting roads in the Free State and Mpumalanga.
Road conditions can change quickly as temperatures drop and snowfall continues. Motorists are advised to check with relevant authorities before setting out and to avoid travelling on closed or hazardous routes.
KwaZulu-Natal Snow Closes N3, R74 And Other Major Routes
Several key routes in KwaZulu-Natal have been closed because of heavy snow, ice and stranded vehicles. The N3 is closed between Estcourt and Harrismith in the Free State, with motorists advised against travelling into KwaZulu-Natal via the route.
The N3 is also closed at Midmar/Howick, while the Van Reenen Pass is described as extremely hazardous because of black ice. Authorities have advised motorists not to travel through the pass under the current conditions.
The R617 is closed between Kokstad and Underberg after a truck became stranded at Kingscote, with traffic being diverted to the R56. The R617 between Swartberg and Evatt remains difficult, with traffic moving slowly.
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The R74 is closed between Harrismith and Bergville at Oliviershoek Pass. The Greytown/Colenso section of the R74 is also closed because of heavy snowfall at Santa Maria.
The R103 and Tugela Toll Plaza have been completely closed because of severe weather. Between Lions River and Nottingham Road, conditions remain extremely challenging, with traffic reportedly moving at about 20km/h.
Eastern Cape Snow Closes N6, N9 And Mountain Passes
Several important routes in the Eastern Cape have also been closed as snowfall affects mountain passes. The N6 at Penhoek Pass is closed between Komani and Jamestown.
The N9 at Lootsberg Pass is closed between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg. The R58 at Barkly Pass has also been closed between Elliot and Barkly East.
Boesmanshoek Pass is closed between Sterkstroom and Molteno. Motorists travelling through affected areas are urged to avoid closed roads and seek alternative routes where possible.
Free State, Mpumalanga And Western Cape Roads Face Ice And Snow
In the Free State, the N3 between Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass should be approached with extreme caution. Emergency teams are spraying brine across the lanes to help prevent black ice from forming.
Sleet and rain are falling between Warden and Mooi River, while snow has covered Swinburne. Authorities have urged motorists to reduce their speed immediately when travelling through affected areas.
The R74 at Oliviershoek Pass between Harrismith and Bergville remains a high-risk route, with conditions deteriorating towards the KwaZulu-Natal border. Thick ice has also affected routes around the Matatiele border and regional roads in the southern Free State, with some mountain passes facing possible temporary closures.
In Mpumalanga, Long Tom Pass on the R37 has been closed after several vehicles became stranded on slippery inclines. Traffic officials have blocked access from both directions.
The N4/N12 split remains open but hazardous, with emergency services reporting crashes amid poor visibility and wet, freezing road surfaces. Roads around Belfast, Dullstroom and Roossenekal have also been affected by light snow and heavy sleet.
Freezing rain and localised icy conditions have been reported around Volksrust and Ermelo, while strong crosswinds are creating additional risks for high-sided vehicles.
In the Western Cape, the Swartberg Pass and Mont Rochelle/Franschhoek roads are closed because of snow. Traffic remains generally moderate elsewhere in the province.
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Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and the Northern Cape are experiencing cold and wet conditions, although traffic is generally flowing normally.
Motorists are urged to check the latest information with traffic authorities before travelling, as weather and road conditions can change rapidly.
