The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, says the department is ready for any weather patterns as light snow, rain and strong winds are predicted for KZN.
This comes after a recent snow storm left hundreds of motorists stranded on the N3 among other roads and resulted in one death.
KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has directed disaster management teams to remain on high alert as the province is expected to experience heavy rains until Tuesday.
Buthelezi said the snowfall will be confined to the mountainous regions of the Harry Gwala district, with accumulations expected to be less than 2cm. “Importantly, all major routes across the province are not anticipated to face any disruptions due to the weather conditions.”
The department urged residents to exercise caution, particularly during long trips, by ensuring that they have up-to-date weather forecasts.
“The heavy rains have the potential to cause localised flooding, and disaster management teams will continue to monitor areas prone to weather-related incidents.”
The SA Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, excessive lightning and heavy downpours on Monday over the Midlands and the northern interior of KZN. A Yellow Level 1 warning has also been issued for disruptive rainfall resulting in localised flooding in the south-western parts of KZN on Monday.
Speaking at a briefing at the newly formed Van Reenen’s Pass base centre on Sunday, Duma said the department has been receiving weather updates from the weather service.
“Just after 12pm, the SA Weather Service updated a Yellow Level 4 warning and a new Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive snow valid for Monday. They singled out Western and Northern Cape,” he said.
Duma said the department was guided by the weather service and while light snowfall was predicted to fall in KZN, was also extremely dangerous.
“We state this because it greases up the roads, which leads to road accidents. Our view is that South African drivers are not trained to drive in the snow. We therefore urge motorists to reschedule or postpone their journeys in anticipation of any eventuality. We reiterate our position that prevention is better than cure,” he said.
Duma said he had been on the ground on Sunday interacting with the team and was satisfied with the level of preparedness.
“At this stage, we wish to indicate that our plans are watertight. We are ready for any weather pattern,” he said.
“My confidence is based on the fact that we have harmonised different plans involving the provincial Road Traffic Inspectorate, the N3 Toll Concession, Free State Provincial Traffic and National Traffic Police.
“We are ready to ensure immediate assistance to stranded motorists. As indicated, we will also ensure the diversion of traffic should the weather conditions deteriorate,” said Duma.
*WATCH*: " In anticipation of snowfall, our highly efficient, dedicated and hard working team from Road Traffic Inspectorate and Transport Infrastructure Unit has already established a satelite base in Van Reenen on the N3.
1/5. pic.twitter.com/jIZtJ4vIWJ
The department advised that there would be visibility of traffic officers and possible closures of the following routes:
● N3 Van Reenen’s Pass to Tugela Plaza,
● Tugela Plaza to Bergville;
● N11 Bergville interchange to Volksrust;
● Estcourt to Mooi Toll Plaza;
● Mooi Toll Plaza to Howick;
● R617 Underberg to Swartberg;
● R617 Swartberg to Kokstad;
● R74 Muden Road;
● R33 Pomeroy to Dundee
● Montrose to Van Reenen Village.
According to Duma, salt and brine will be applied to roads to help reduce the adhesion of snow and ice to road surfaces.
He said the skills of drivers of motor graders have been sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency and they will remove any snow before it accumulates on the road.
“Graders and a TLB (tractor loader backhoe) are stationed in identified routes to ensure that our response is faster. I have inspected this yellow fleet and I remain satisfied.”
The Mercury