Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive snow in Eastern Cape

The Loodsberg Pass in the Eastern Cape was closed to traffic on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

The Loodsberg Pass in the Eastern Cape was closed to traffic on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

Published Nov 5, 2024

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An Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive snow has been issued across the Eastern Cape on Tuesday.

The South African Weather Service (Saws) said snowfalls are expected over the high lying areas due to a high pressure system ridging from far south of the country with southerly to south-easterly winds, resulting in cold to very cold and wet conditions over most parts of the province.

Saws warns that this weather could pose a serious danger to livestock and crops, lead to traffic disruptions and road closures as well as make driving conditions very dangerous as roads will be icy and wet.

Meanwhile, the forecaster has predicted rain in most parts of the country with Vryberg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Welkom experience warm to hot temperatures.

The Eastern Cape’s Department of Transport is keeping a close eye on the Karro towns of Graaff-Reinet, Nxuba (Cradock), the N9 between Middelburg as well as Graaf Reinet, and Wapadsberg Pass between Graaff Reinet and Nxuba.

In KwaZulu-Natal, one person has died and three others critically injured after a lightning bolt struck their home in Ward 5 in KwaZulu-Natal's Mooi-Mpofana Local Municipality. Sifiso James Mkhize, aged 37, died at the scene.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) said disaster management teams are busy with mop up operations after thunderstorms hit the uMgungundlovu District.

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