KZN residents advised to stay indoors as weather conditions worsen

As Newcastillians endure a snowy Saturday, 21 September 2024, conditions are set to worsen across the province.

This comes as the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZNCOGTA) stated that the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) convened an urgent Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting on Saturday morning.

According to KZNCOGTA, the situation is rapidly becoming more severe, with major routes blocked by heavy snow, and authorities scrambling to prevent further chaos.

Several key routes have already been rendered impassable, including:

• R74: Harrismith to Bergville – CLOSED
• R74: Greytown/Colenso Road – CLOSED
• N3: Harrismith to Tugela Toll – CLOSED
• R617: Kokstad to Underberg – CLOSED
• N3: Northbound – CLOSED

Furthermore, KZNCOGTA said the storm’s unrelenting grip on the region has led to multidisciplinary teams being deployed to provide urgent relief.

Motorists stranded along these critical routes have begun receiving assistance, including hot meals from soup kitchens, shelter, and blankets. Working alongside state agencies, local municipalities have mobilised graders to clear snow from affected areas, prioritising main roads to ensure that emergency services can reach those in dire need.

Yet, as the snow continues to fall and conditions deteriorate, residents are being warned to stay off the roads and avoid attempting alternative routes. Additionally, the South African Weather Service has issued a Level 8 warning for more disruptive snow, marking it as a potentially life-threatening event.

Areas under this alert include:

• Ladysmith
• Underberg
• Greater Kokstad
• Impendle
• Escourt
• Sobabili
• Giants Castle
• Mooi River
• Okhahlamba
• uMngeni.

The outlook is dire, and KZNCOGTA said residents are urged to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Further complicating the crisis, fallen trees are obstructing roads, and residents living near the N3 are being encouraged to assist stranded motorists with supplies if possible—but only safely.

The weather has also caused major disruptions to essential services, including water and electricity in several communities. While technical teams are working to restore services as swiftly as possible, residents should be prepared for delays given the challenging conditions.

In a further blow to safety efforts, authorities have issued a stark warning against snow chasing, as road conditions remain perilously dangerous.

Meanwhile, in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the heavy rains continue, raising fears of localised flooding. Disaster management teams are actively supporting these areas, and residents are urged to stay alert and follow official channels for updates. The combination of heavy snowfall and torrential rain is stretching resources, adding to the mounting pressure on emergency services.

The Newcastle Municipality has also issued updates regarding the worsening conditions.

According to the Communications Unit, the Municipality is monitoring the situation closely, having convened its own Joint Operations Committee to coordinate resources. They have confirmed that due to heavy snowfall, ice, and rain, many roads in Newcastle have been closed or are experiencing extremely slow traffic, presenting a significant safety hazard.

Key road closures in Newcastle include:

• N11: Ladysmith to Newcastle – CLOSED
• N11: Amajuba Pass – CLOSED
• R34: Memel Road – CLOSED
• R33: Vryheid to Dundee – OPEN
• R34: Newcastle to Bloodriver/Vryheid – OPEN

In an effort to provide shelter for those stranded, the Newcastle Farmers Hall has been designated as a temporary safe zone. Additionally, the Newcastle Municipality has issued essential safety precautions for all residents:

• Do not attempt to use alternative routes; conditions are hazardous, and travel in snow-affected areas should be postponed.
• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary, and stay indoors.

For those needing emergency assistance, the following numbers are available:

• Newcastle Municipal Emergency Control Room: 034 3284700 / 079 542 8228
• Emergency Services: 112

As the adverse weather continues to affect countless people across KwaZulu-Natal, and with conditions expected to deteriorate further, staying safe and warm is the priority. Keep updated through official channels and ensure you are prepared for the worsening conditions.

What are your thoughts on the escalating situation? Share your views in the comment section below.