Severe weather in KZN: roads closed as snow and winds disrupt travel
Heavy snow fell on Tuesday morning between Kokstad and uMzimkhulu
Image: Supplied
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) is advising residents to steer clear of snow-closed routes as adverse weather conditions continue to grip the region.
Significant snowfall in the Harry Gwala, uThukela, and parts of the Ugu Districts has led to major highway closures and a growing number of weather-related incidents.
The N2 highway, in southern KwaZulu-Natal, has been closed due to hazardous conditions caused by heavy snowfall.
Specifically, the route between Ingeli and Kokstad, as well as the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, have been rendered impassable, prompting urgent warnings from authorities.
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, urged residents, especially motorists, to exercise extreme caution when driving.
He advised motorists to avoid routes that have been closed due to snow.
"The weather has caused large scale power outages across the province, damaged public and private infrastructure and severely disrupted traffic on major routes," said Buthelezi.
Across the province, disaster management teams are on high alert, responding to numerous incidents fueled by a cut-off low-pressure system that has unleashed severe weather.
These teams are working diligently to restore power in areas affected by damaging winds, which have been clocking speeds of up to 110 km/h and resulted in uprooted trees disrupting traffic on major routes, including the N3.
According to Cogta, disaster management teams are working hard to ensure that power is restored where powerlines have been damaged by falling trees.
There are areas within the province where wind speeds have clocked 110 km/h.
The South African Weather Service had issued a yellow level 4 warning for damaging winds and waves resulting in localised disruption of small harbours and/or a ports along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The weather service warned of small vessels at risk of taking on water and capsizing.
Heavy winds have caused extensive damage to property in KwaZulu-Natal
Image: RUSA
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) a delivery biker was injured after a light pole fell on his head while riding in Brindhaven.
The man had sustained injuries to his head and shoulders.
RUSA Operations Centre reported that they were inundated with calls from several residents and businesses after heavy winds caused extensive structural damage.