Bad Weather
In response to the ongoing heavy snowfall and treacherous conditions along the N3 highway, the Ministry of Transport has advised motorists planning to travel between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to delay their trips.
By Lerato Mpembe
The severe weather, which has resulted in road closures and stranded vehicles, continues to pose significant risks to both drivers and rescue teams.
The primary area of concern remains the stretch of the N3 highway between Warden and Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, where the heavy snowfall has made travel extremely hazardous. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over non-essential travel during these dangerous weather conditions.
Motorists Advised to Stay Off the Roads
In a statement released earlier today, the Ministry of Transport warned travellers about the conditions, particularly along the N3 Toll Route. “The Ministry is deeply concerned about the situation, especially as many travellers spent the night stranded at filling stations and along the N3, unable to move due to the road closures,” the statement read. With snow blanketing the highway, drivers have been unable to proceed, and many have been forced to shelter in their vehicles or seek refuge at nearby service stations.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa are receiving regular updates from the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) and SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency Limited) about the situation. Both agencies are closely monitoring the rescue efforts, which are being coordinated by state agencies and other stakeholders.
Emergency Services Deployed to Assist Stranded Travellers
Rescue efforts are underway to assist those stranded on the highways. Emergency services, including paramedics, police, and disaster management authorities, have been deployed to various affected areas. These teams are working tirelessly to reach stranded motorists and provide the necessary aid.
In a situation that has continued to worsen over the past 48 hours, the N3 Toll Route remains closed between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State due to the dangerous snowy conditions. This closure, a precautionary measure aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users, is expected to remain in place until the snow has cleared, and it is safe to travel again.
Motorists are being urged to stay off the roads and avoid the affected areas. “The best course of action is to follow the guidance of authorities and delay non-essential travel,” the Ministry emphasized. For those who are already trapped in the snow, the Ministry has advised them to remain in their vehicles, signal for help, and wait for assistance from the authorities.
Widespread Disruption Across Several Provinces
While the focus remains on the N3 highway, the impact of the severe weather is being felt across multiple provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, and Eastern Cape. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions have resulted in road closures, power outages, and disruptions to daily life.
In Gauteng, snowfall has been reported in several areas, a rare occurrence that has led to treacherous road conditions and disruptions to traffic. Motorists have been urged to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary, and emergency services are on high alert to respond to any accidents or emergencies.
No Deaths or Injuries Reported So Far
Despite the severity of the situation, there have been no reports of deaths or serious injuries. This is largely due to the swift response of authorities and the cooperation of motorists, who have largely heeded the warnings and avoided the worst-hit areas.
“Thus far, we have not received any reports of fatalities, and we are grateful to all the road users who have adhered to our warnings,” said Minister Creecy in a statement. She added that while the situation remains dire, the cooperation of the public has been crucial in preventing accidents and saving lives.
Updates on Road Closures and Rescue Efforts
The Ministry of Transport is working closely with SANRAL and other stakeholders to ensure that the roads are cleared as soon as possible. However, due to the ongoing snowfall and icy conditions, it may take several days before the N3 and other affected routes are reopened to traffic.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has also issued a statement urging all motorists to avoid the Drakensberg Mountains and other high-altitude areas, where the snowfall is heaviest. In some areas, the snow has accumulated to levels not seen in decades, making the roads completely impassable.
“Motorists should cancel their trips until conditions improve. We are doing everything we can to ensure that the roads are cleared, but we urge everyone to be patient and stay safe,” said Deputy Minister Hlengwa.
The RTMC has been instrumental in coordinating the rescue operations, working with local authorities to deploy rescue teams to the most affected areas. Disaster management units from multiple provinces have also been mobilized to assist in these efforts.
Guidance for Motorists
For those who must travel, the Ministry of Transport has provided the following safety guidelines:
- Delay non-essential travel: Only travel if absolutely necessary, and avoid the affected areas as much as possible.
- Remain in your vehicle: If you are trapped in the snow, stay in your vehicle, signal for help, and wait for emergency services to arrive. Leaving your vehicle in heavy snow can lead to hypothermia or other dangers.
- Follow local news updates: Keep informed of the latest weather reports and road closure updates by following official sources, such as SANRAL and local news outlets.
- Ensure your vehicle is prepared: If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter conditions, including having sufficient fuel, blankets, and food in case you are stranded.
Motorists are also reminded to follow the guidance of authorities and avoid any attempts to clear snow or ice from their vehicles while in dangerous conditions. If you find yourself unable to move, it is safer to wait for professional assistance.
Travel Disruptions Expected to Continue
As the severe weather conditions persist, disruptions to travel are expected to continue well into the coming days. The South African Weather Service has issued ongoing warnings for heavy snowfall and icy conditions in several provinces, including parts of Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.
The snow, while rare, is expected to have a lasting impact on travel routes, with several secondary roads already reported to be impassable due to ice buildup. In particular, areas surrounding Bergville and Nottingham Road have been hardest hit, with local authorities warning that these regions may not be accessible for several more days.
Ministry of Transport’s Long-Term Plans
In light of the increasing severity of weather events such as these, the Ministry of Transport has outlined its long-term plans to improve the safety and preparedness of South African roads. Minister Creecy highlighted the need for better infrastructure to cope with extreme weather, particularly in regions prone to heavy snowfalls and rain.
“While this is an unusual event, we must be prepared for the possibility of more extreme weather in the future,” said Minister Creecy. She outlined the Ministry’s plans to work with SANRAL to improve road infrastructure, including the possibility of building additional snow fences in high-altitude areas to prevent snow drifts from blocking key highways.
SANRAL has also committed to increasing its fleet of snowplows and salt trucks to ensure that key routes like the N3 can be cleared more quickly in the event of future snowstorms. The agency has acknowledged that the current number of snowplows is insufficient to cope with the level of snowfall experienced in this event.
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