Heavy snow to continue falling in Eastern Cape on Tuesday. Here’s what to expect in your region

Cars covered in snow in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. Picture: Nancy Palien/Facebook The Eastern Cape and several other parts of South Africa experienced snowfall on Monday, with the wintry conditions expected to persist into Tuesday. SA’s weather forecaster has warned that heavy snowfall is likely in parts of the Eastern Cape, while freezing temperatures, icy roads and hazardous travel conditions are expected to continue in affected areas.

A level 6 warning has been issued for disruptive snowfall expected over the Chris Hani District, as well as the Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele municipalities in the Eastern Cape. The heavy snow could disrupt livelihoods, cause major traffic delays and leave some communities temporarily cut off. SA Weather Service (Saws) has also issued a warning for light snowfall in parts of the Eastern Cape, the eastern and southern Free State along the Lesotho border, and the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

The snowfall is expected to cause localised traffic disruptions, isolated losses of livestock and crops, and interruptions to essential services. In the Eastern Cape, the warning applies to the Dr Beyers Naudé, Blue Crane Route, Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi, Intsika Yethu, Dr AB Xuma, Mhlontlo and Mzimvubu municipalities. A warning of damaging winds and rough waves along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, which could disrupt harbour operations, coastal activities and navigation, while posing a risk to infrastructure and public safety.

[paywall]

The national weather forecaster said heavy rain may trigger localised flooding in parts of the Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal, while severe thunderstorms are expected in parts of the North West, Free State and Gauteng. Damaging winds are also forecast for parts of the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State and the western North West. “A cold front accompanied by a cut-off low is expected to affect the Free State, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, southern parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal.

[/paywall]