Newcastillians awoke to a breathtaking sight on Saturday morning, 21 September 2024, as a blanket of snow transformed the town into a stunning, yet bitterly cold wonderland. However, the beauty of the snowfall transformed into chaos across the province.
Major routes were severely affected, with the R34, commonly known as the Memel Road, the N3, and the N11 all closed due to the inclement weather.
Despite the tireless efforts of government departments and emergency personnel working round the clock to clear the roads, the impact of the snowstorm was far from over.
In light of the challenging conditions, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZNCOGTA), commended the disaster response teams, first aid responders, social partners, and all government agencies for their swift and brave actions following the snowstorm that gripped the Midlands on Friday, 20 September 2024, and Saturday, 21 September 2024.
According to KZNCOGTA, these dedicated teams worked tirelessly throughout the weekend, risking their safety to reach stranded motorists and provide crucial relief, thus averting what could have escalated into a mass casualty event.
Furthermore, Rev Buthelezi extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Nozibele Nzonzo, a 39-year-old woman who lost her life after being exposed to the extreme cold while trapped in a taxi during the storm.
Now that all routes have reopened, motorists are urged to exercise caution while driving. However, the government department has also issued warnings to communities downstream of the Tugela River catchment areas regarding potential flooding due to the anticipated snowmelt in the highlands.
KZNCOGTA advised, “Particularly with schools closed, parents are urged to ensure that children do not play near unguarded large bodies of water, especially rivers and dams. Disaster management teams will continue to monitor areas along the Tugela River, from Ladysmith to uMsinga.”
As KZNCOGTA warns of potential flooding from melting snow, the Amajuba District Municipality has shared a critical notice from Snow Report South Africa, alerting residents to the threat of further heavy snowfall expected in the coming week.
It is important to note that the Amajuba District Municipality encompasses Newcastle, Utrecht, and Dannhauser.
According to the report from Amajuba District Municipality, Snow Report Southern Africa forecasts more snowfall for South Africa and Lesotho from Saturday, 28 September 2024, to Monday, 30 September 2024. Current indications suggest anything from very light to significant snowfall across KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, and Lesotho.
While the advanced forecast from Snow Report Southern Africa is subject to change, it is vital to remain vigilant in light of the previous devastating effects across KZN. The forecast levels and coverage of snowfall have notably decreased from initial predictions.
As the Amajuba District Municipality shares this urgent report and KZNCOGTA warns of potential flooding, the District Municipality emphasised that residents are urged to stay safe and keep abreast of weather updates.
What are your thoughts on these developments? Share your views in the comment section below.
*Please note, that this is a prediction of the expected weather. But, at the end of the day, natural events can change in an instant and this is why it is important to stay informed on the latest weather forecasts.
