Harrismith and Tugela
By Nkosana Khumalo
KwaZulu-Natal’s roadways have been severely impacted by heavy snowfall and continuous rainfall, resulting in the closure of key routes, including the N3 between Harrismith and the Tugela Toll. The province’s Disaster Management teams are working around the clock to monitor conditions and offer assistance to those affected. Several other major roads, including the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, are also closed, with additional routes such as the N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River under close observation.
The sudden and intense weather changes have prompted authorities to issue multiple warnings, urging residents and motorists to delay travel until conditions improve. With a combination of rain, ice, and snow making roads treacherous, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre has highlighted the dangers of these conditions and emphasized the importance of safety precautions.
Severe Weather Disrupts Traffic Across KwaZulu-Natal
The severe weather began earlier this week, and since then, it has created havoc across several regions in KwaZulu-Natal. Heavy snowfall, particularly in the higher-altitude areas, has transformed roads into hazardous stretches of black ice and deep snow. As a result, key routes such as the N3, R617, and R74 (between Harrismith and Bergville) have been rendered impassable, with authorities forced to implement immediate closures for public safety.
This disruption is not limited to the major roads. Local routes have also been significantly affected, with reports from Arrive Alive confirming the closure of other strategic routes like the R103. This widespread impact has left many residents and businesses stranded, further hampering travel and logistics across the province.
In a statement issued on the morning of September 20th, KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management teams confirmed that their teams were deployed to monitor the snow-affected areas and assist any stranded motorists. “We are urging residents and travellers to postpone all non-essential journeys, especially in areas where snow and rain have caused road closures. Our priority is ensuring the safety of all road users,” said a disaster management official.
Roads Impacted by Snowfall and Heavy Rain
1. N3: Closed between Harrismith and Tugela Toll due to thick snowfall and ice.
2. R617: Blocked between Kokstad and Underberg, rendering the route impassable for commuters.
3. R74: The road between Harrismith and Bergville has been closed due to severe snowfall on the Oliviershoek Pass.
4. N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River: These major routes are currently under close observation, with significant ice patches and poor visibility due to snowfall.
5. Tugela Plaza: Closed due to weather conditions, contributing to major delays and long queues of vehicles attempting to navigate around the closed-off roads.
6. Van Reenen Pass: Motorists are being advised to postpone travel due to dangerous black ice and adverse weather along this route.
Additionally, Arrive Alive has issued updated alerts on their website, confirming further closures and delays throughout the province. Their urgent traffic update highlights that snowfall, ice, and rain have created hazardous conditions across multiple roads, leading to slow traffic and stranded motorists. These conditions are expected to persist, with drivers urged not to attempt alternate routes, as many remain treacherous.
Safety Tips for Motorists
Given the severe weather conditions, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre has provided essential safety tips for those already caught in the snow or unable to avoid travel:
1. Stay in Your Vehicle: If stranded, remain inside your car to stay warm and safe. Avoid leaving the vehicle unless help is visible within a 100-metre range.
2. Signal for Help: Use brightly coloured cloths (preferably red) to signal for assistance. Attach the cloth to your radio antenna or hang it outside a window.
3. Run the Engine Sparingly: Only run the engine for about 10 minutes per hour to conserve fuel and stay warm. Make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Conserve Fuel: Use the vehicle’s heater sparingly and keep windows slightly open for fresh air.
5. Stay Visible: Keep the dome light on at night when the engine is running, allowing rescuers to locate you.
6. Stay Warm: Use any available clothing or blankets to retain body heat and move your arms and legs periodically to maintain circulation.
7. Stay Hydrated: Drink fluids to prevent dehydration, but avoid alcohol, as it lowers body temperature.
Disaster Management Efforts and Public Assistance
In a concerted effort to mitigate the risks posed by the current conditions, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre has coordinated multi-sectoral interventions, including road-clearing efforts and relief assistance. These efforts focus on reaching stranded motorists and ensuring that key roads are cleared as soon as possible to restore access.
Authorities are working with local municipalities to assess and facilitate the clearing of roadways. Special machinery, including snow ploughs and salt trucks, has been deployed to help clear major thoroughfares, but progress remains slow due to the intensity of the weather.
Motorists are urged to heed all warnings issued by the provincial government and avoid unnecessary travel. For those already on the road, emergency numbers have been provided for assistance:
• uMngeni Municipal Control Room: 0800 000 124
• Emergency Services: 112
• N3 Toll Route Emergencies: 0800 63 43 57
Disaster Management officials reiterated that these conditions are expected to persist through September 21st, with snow continuing to fall in the province’s higher-altitude regions. Travel in and out of KwaZulu-Natal, especially via major routes such as the N3 and R617, is expected to remain severely disrupted until weather conditions improve.
Urgent Travel Update and Further Closures
An Arrive Alive traffic update further outlined the severity of the situation, confirming that heavy snowfall, ice, and rain have forced the closure of multiple roads, including:
• R74: Between Harrismith and Bergville, closed due to snow on Oliviershoek Pass.
• R74 Greytown/Colenso Road: Closed due to heavy snowfall at Santa Maria.
• N3 North: Closed at Midmar and Howick, with dangerous conditions reported throughout the route.
• R103: Fully closed, adding to the network of disrupted routes.
• Van Reenen Pass: Severe warnings have been issued, advising motorists to avoid the area due to black ice and near-zero visibility.
Motorists have been strongly advised not to use alternative routes, as many remain similarly hazardous. The roads have become slippery due to black ice, and visibility has been reduced significantly. Efforts to clear the roads and reach stranded motorists are ongoing, but officials are urging extreme caution for those on the roads.
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