A week of frigid temperatures is expected across most of South Africa, lasting well into the coming weekend with snowfall and flooding a concern.
According to the South African Weather Service, the cold temperatures follow in the wake of a cold front that moved over the eastern parts of the country on Sunday evening, 30 May 2021.
On Monday, 31 May 2021, the weather service stated that the low-pressure cut-off system (whatever that is) would be responsible for most of the adverse weather expected over the next three days. This includes snowfall accumulation of between 5 to 15 cm over Lesotho and the southern Drakensberg mountains in the Eastern Cape, rainfall of a disruptive nature along the Wild Coast and north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, as well as wet conditions accompanied by icy temperatures over the high lying areas of the Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.
Over the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, the South African Weather Services explains that temperatures are expected to drop significantly today, 1 June 2021, especially over the extreme western parts (in the Harry Gwala, uMgungundlovu and uThukela district municipalities).
Snowfall is likely in the KZN Drakensberg Mountains from today into Wednesday, 2 June 2021, with significant snowfall (10 – 15 cm) expected over the Lesotho region. Consequently, the Sani pass may be temporarily closed due to snowfall. There is also a possibility of disruptive rain over the north-eastern parts of KZN, leading to possible localised flooding of susceptible formal/informal settlements or roads. Minor vehicle accidents due to unsafe driving conditions and localised damage to mud-based houses are also a concern.
Areas over uMkhanyakude, eastern Zululand and eastern King Cetshwayo district municipalities are likely to be particularly affected.
The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor any further developments relating to this weather system and will issue subsequent updates as required. Following the warning of inclement weather, the KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has called on residents of the province to exercise extreme caution.
According to the statement released by KZN Cogta, MEC Hlomuka stresses that the inclement weather conditions are expected to bring significant snowfall over the Drakensberg Mountains and the surrounding areas, including Kokstad and Underberg. This could potentially lead to road closures and the risk of motorists being stranded due to poor weather conditions.
MEC Hlomuka now calls on residents to plan their trips carefully while keeping a close eye on the weather conditions. “We are appealing to all communities in the areas that are expected to receive significant snowfall to be vigilant and to postpone any unnecessary trips.”
KZN Cogta affirms; the inclement weather conditions are expected to extend to the northern parts of the province, where the risk of localised flooding will be high due to the disruptive rainfall expected from this morning, continuing into the evening. Accordingly, Hlomuka has urged motorists and residents in the uMkhanyakude, eastern Zululand and eastern King Cetshwayo districts to exercise extreme caution, especially in low-lying areas.
Disaster management teams are on alert across the province and will monitor all major routes and areas prone to flooding. With Newcastillians bracing themselves for the adverse weather conditions, ensure you do your part in remaining safe at all times.
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