N2 Highway Closed in KwaZulu-Natal Due to Heavy Snowfall
By Nkosana Khumalo
Heavy snowfall has led to the closure of the N2 highway in southern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), as inclement weather conditions continue to disrupt parts of the province. Since Monday night, thick snow has covered areas around Kokstad, Mzimkhulu, and Port Shepstone, making the key national route impassable. KZN is currently under level 2 and 4 weather alerts, with rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms adding to the chaos. The Department of Transport has warned motorists to avoid the N2 at all costs, while traffic teams work tirelessly to manage the situation and clear the snow.
Snowfall Shuts Down N2 Highway in Southern KZN
The N2 highway, a vital link in southern KZN, was closed on Tuesday morning after heavy snowfall began on Monday night. The snow has hit hardest around Kokstad, Mzimkhulu, and Port Shepstone, where roads have become dangerous and inaccessible. This unusual weather event has caught many by surprise, with snow piling up quickly and halting traffic on one of the province’s busiest routes.
“The Road Traffic Inspectorate team is working with traffic police from Kokstad and Ray Nkonyeni local municipalities to redirect motorists and to clear the snow,” said Ndabezinhle Sibiya, spokesperson for the Department of Transport. Efforts to reopen the highway are ongoing, but the thick snow and worsening weather have slowed progress. Authorities have urged drivers to stay off the N2 until it’s safe again, warning that conditions could remain treacherous for days.
Additional reports from the ground show just how serious the situation is. In some areas near Kokstad, snow has reached depths of over 30 centimetres, blocking lanes and stranding vehicles. Emergency teams have been called in to assist motorists caught in the freeze, with some drivers stuck for hours before help arrived.
Severe Weather Grips KZN: Level 2 and 4 Alerts in Effect
The snowfall is just one part of a larger weather crisis in KZN. The province is facing level 2 and 4 alerts for inclement weather, with heavy rain, hailstorms, and thunderstorms battering different areas. These conditions have made travel risky, especially on major roads like the N2. Weather experts say a cold front moving across the region is to blame, bringing rare snow to lower-lying areas not used to such extremes.
“Traffic officers from road safety and traffic inspectorate are already involved in the coordination of road closures and observation of major routes,” Sibiya added. Beyond the N2, other roads are under watch, including parts of the N3 and smaller routes like the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg. The focus is on keeping people safe and preventing accidents as the weather shows no immediate signs of letting up.
Flooding is also a growing concern as the snow melts. In areas like Port Shepstone, where rivers and streams are close to roads, there’s a risk of water spilling over once temperatures rise. This could lead to even more closures and delays in the coming days.
Department of Transport Responds to Crisis
The Department of Transport has taken swift action to manage the fallout from the snowfall. Alongside closing the N2, they’ve set up teams to redirect traffic and clear snow where possible. Sibiya said traffic authorities are now working on other possible road closures to prevent more drivers from getting caught in the storm.
Crews are using heavy machinery to shift snow off the N2, but the task is daunting. With more snow forecast and icy conditions overnight, progress has been slow. “We’re doing everything we can to get the road open again, but safety comes first,” Sibiya explained. For now, drivers are being sent onto alternative routes, though many of these are also affected by rain and ice.
The department has also issued a public plea: avoid the N2 and any unnecessary travel. They’re asking people to stay home if they can, especially in the hardest-hit areas of southern KZN. Updates are being shared regularly to keep everyone informed as the situation unfolds.
A Rare Event: Snow in Southern KZN
Snow isn’t something KZN sees every day, especially in the southern parts of the province. While the Drakensberg Mountains often get a dusting in winter, places like Kokstad and Port Shepstone rarely experience anything like this. The last big snowfall in the region was in September 2021, when the N3 was shut down and chaos followed. That event left hundreds stranded and took days to clear.
This time, the snow has brought both wonder and worry. Locals have been sharing photos of snow-covered streets and cars, with some calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” sight. But for those relying on the N2, it’s a nightmare. One driver stuck near Mzimkhulu described the scene: “The snow came out of nowhere. One minute it was fine, and the next, we couldn’t move.”
Experts say climate shifts could be behind these unusual patterns, with cold fronts dipping further south than normal. Whatever the cause, it’s a stark reminder of how unpredictable weather can be—and how quickly it can turn roads into no-go zones.
How the Closure Hits Residents and Businesses
The N2 closure is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a blow to southern KZN. This highway is a lifeline for moving goods and people, linking towns to big cities like Durban. With it shut, truck drivers hauling food, fuel, and supplies are stuck or rerouted, which could mean empty shelves and higher costs soon. Businesses in Kokstad and Port Shepstone are already reporting delays, and some worry about losses if the snow drags on.
For residents, it’s a mixed bag. Some are enjoying the rare snowy scenes, building snowmen and snapping pictures. Others, though, are cut off from work or family, with no clear timeline for when things will get back to normal. In rural areas near Mzimkhulu, where roads were bad even before the snow, getting around is now nearly impossible.
Public transport has taken a hit too. Buses and taxis that use the N2 are either cancelled or running on long detours, leaving commuters scrambling. One taxi driver in Port Shepstone said, “We can’t operate like this. The snow’s too deep, and the detours take too long.”
Staying Safe in the Storm
With the weather showing no mercy, authorities are urging everyone to play it safe. Here’s what they recommend:
- Avoid travel if you can: Stay off the N2 and other snowy roads unless it’s an emergency.
- Check updates: Look for the latest road and weather news before heading out.
- Prepare your car: If you must drive, pack blankets, food, water, and a phone charger in case you get stuck.
- Watch the ice: Nighttime freezes could turn wet roads into slippery traps, so daytime travel is safer.
The Department of Transport is also reminding people to keep an eye on melting snow. As it thaws, it could flood low areas, so those near rivers should be ready for rising water. - What’s Next for KZN Roads?
Traffic teams aren’t just focused on the N2—they’re bracing for more trouble. Other routes, like the N3 between Harrismith and Tugela Toll, are at risk if the cold front keeps pushing. In past snowfalls, the N3 has seen pile-ups and long delays, and no one wants a repeat. “We’re keeping a close watch and will close more roads if we have to,” Sibiya said.
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