This past weekend, KwaZulu-Natal transformed into a magical wonderland, with Newcastle and its neighbouring towns basking in picturesque snow. However, the enchanting scenery was marred by significant challenges, including closed national routes and vehicles stranded on the N3. Tragically, the inclement weather also claimed one life. However, it seems the snowfall is far from over.
This follows the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZNCOGTA) issuing a warning about the strong possibility of snowfall on Monday, 30 September 2024, and Tuesday, 1 October 2024.
According to KZNCOGTA, the department was in contact with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, which confirmed that early forecasts suggest the province will experience extremely cold temperatures on these dates, potentially resulting in snowfall in areas around the Drakensberg mountains. This includes parts of the Amajuba District, uThukela, Harry Gwala, and uMgungundlovu Districts.
The Amajuba District comprises Newcastle, Utrecht, and Dannhauser, while the uThukela District covers Emnambithi/Ladysmith, Indaka, Umtshezi, Okhalamba, and Imbabazane. The Harry Gwala District encompasses Greater Kokstad, Dr Nkosozana Dlamini-Zuma, Ubuhlebezwe, and Umzimkhulu. Lastly, the uMgungundlovu District includes the towns of uMshwathi, uMngeni, Mpofana, Impendle, Msunduzi (Pietermaritzburg), Mkhambathini, and Richmond.
In light of the expected weather conditions, KZNCOGTA stated, “While this forecast is preliminary, further updates are expected. Residents across the province are assured that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to engage directly with stakeholders, including municipalities through the respective District Disaster Management Centres, social partners, and government entities responsible for law enforcement, disaster response, and roads, to ensure plans are in place to deal with any eventuality should the weather conditions deteriorate.”
As SAWS and KZNCOGTA warn of potential snowfall this coming Monday and Tuesday, Snow Report Southern Africa has also issued a forecast.
As reported by Newcastillian News, Snow Report Southern Africa indicated that current forecasts suggest anything from very light to significant snowfall across KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, and Lesotho.
To read more about this forecast, click here.
Furthermore, Vox Weather highlighted that another cold front is expected this weekend, accompanied by a strong ridging high, pushing cold air eastward. It is crucial to remember that each weather system impacts different areas based on its path and strength, making direct comparisons challenging. Vox Weather also noted that this system is likely to bring less snow than last weekend’s event in terms of snowfall amounts and altitude.
With three weather services warning of potential snowfall, and KZNCOGTA placing disaster management teams on high alert, the department emphasised, “Residents are urged to monitor weather forecasts through reliable sources.”
Additionally, the MEC for the KZN Departments of Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma issued a public statement, stating that following last weekend’s heavy snowfall that resulted in thousands of motorists being trapped along N3 and other major routes, his department has decided to strengthen road safety measures.
“We therefore wish to announce that today marks the beginning of regular interactions with media practitioners and members of the public on matters of road safety. We value the role of media practitioners as watchdogs of society. We also recognise your ability to educate, inform, raise awareness, and promote positive social change,” said MEC Duma.
Moreover, he stated that his department also interacted with SAWS on Wednesday, 25 September 2024, and the weather service informed the department that KwaZulu-Natal would be affected by snowfall from Monday into Tuesday. According to MEC Duma, the weather service has singled out the following areas that will be affected:
- Ladysmith
- Underberg
- Drakensberg
- Giant Castle and other high-ground areas
“In addition, they emphasised that, in all likelihood, snowfall will stop on Tuesday but will be followed by rainfall in various parts of the province, including Durban and other coastline areas. As the Department of Transport, we have internalised the fact that erratic weather patterns caused by Climate Change require agility, discipline, and dedication from all categories of staff in the department,” said the MEC.
The MEC continued by saying, “we understand that SA Weather Services will still be updating their forecast. But we wish to announce that highly efficient and dedicated teams are now on standby. The Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) led by SANRAL comprising of all key role players on the national, provincial, and municipal road networks is already harmonising one plan. They are identifying areas where joint operations and coordination will be established – covering all notorious roads and areas identified in the past experiences.”.
Moreover, he explained that the department’s Road Traffic Inspectorate is establishing a satellite centre on top of the Van Reenen Pass to ensure quick action and road closure to mitigate against people getting trapped in snow. This satellite will start operating on Saturday afternoon, 28 September 2024, on a 12-hour shift.
Elaborating further, MEC Duma explained that when looking at road safety and the traffic inspectorate, traffic officers are already involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with N3 Toll Concession. The focus is on N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi-River, and others.
“We wish to indicate that the team will also be responsible for escorting trucks and vehicles to ensure that there is no congestion on the road. However, members of the public and motorists are urged to reschedule or postpone their journeys in anticipation of any eventuality. Prevention is better than cure,” elucidated the MEC.
When looking at transport infrastructure, the MEC pointed out that drivers of motor graders are currently being sharpened to respond with speed and a sense of urgency to remove any snow before accumulating on the road. More than 10 Graders will be stationed in identified routes to ensure that the department’s response is faster.
“We have 21 graders, and we decided to ensure that all of them are on standby as part of strengthening our prevention measures,” explained Duma, who added that his department has already started engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that they all work together to avoid any crisis and ensure the safety of road users. We have continuous engagements with road freight industry stakeholders such as operators – trucking companies – and companies that are managing and supplying drivers. The South African National Taxi Council and bus councils, bus and truck associations are key stakeholders as we strengthen our road safety measures. We do not want to leave out port operators and the entire value chain of Fast-moving Consumer Goods,” stated Duma.
As Newcastillians brace for inclement weather and further potential snowfall, it is vital to remember that while playing in the snow can be delightful, several health risks could pose a threat if the necessary precautions are not taken. The primary risks include:
Hyperthermia:
Extended exposure to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia, where the body loses heat faster than it can generate. This is particularly dangerous for young children, who may not recognise the signs early enough. Wet clothing and prolonged exposure to snow heighten this risk.
Symptoms of hyperthermia include:
• Shivering (initially but may stop in severe cases).
• Confusion or memory loss.
• Slurred speech.
• Clumsiness or stumbling.
• Drowsiness or exhaustion.
• Slow breathing and pulse.
• In severe cases, unconsciousness or death.
Frostbite:
Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze, often affecting extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and the nose. Children are especially vulnerable to frostbite in cold conditions, particularly when not dressed warmly enough or if their clothes become wet.
Symptoms of frostbite are as follows:
• Cold, numb, or pale skin.
• Tingling or stinging sensations.
• Red, white, or greyish-yellow skin colour.
• Hardened or waxy skin.
• Blisters in severe cases.
• Loss of feeling in the affected area.
Chilblains (Pernio):
Chilblains result from prolonged exposure to cold, but not freezing temperatures, especially in damp conditions. Rapid warming of cold skin can cause inflammation in small blood vessels, leading to chilblains. While not as serious as frostbite, chilblains can cause significant discomfort, and scratching may lead to infection. In rare cases, severe or recurring chilblains may cause permanent damage to the skin and blood vessels.
Symptoms of chilblains include:
• Red or purple itchy bumps on the skin.
• Swelling.
• Blisters (in severe cases).
• Burning or stinging sensation.
• Pain or tenderness in affected areas, typically fingers, toes, ears, or nose.
Dehydration:
In cold weather, the sensation of thirst decreases, but the body still loses moisture through breath and sweat. This can result in dehydration without the individual realising it. It is important to note that dehydration reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can lead to fatigue, confusion, or in severe cases, kidney problems.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
• Dry mouth and skin.
• Dark urine.
• Fatigue or dizziness.
• Muscle cramps.
As KwaZulu-Natal braces for further potential snowfall and frigid temperatures, residents are reminded to approach the upcoming days with caution. The warnings issued by KZNCOGTA, as well as the Department of Transport and Human Settlements, SAWS, Snow Report Southern Africa and Vox Weather, underscore the importance of staying informed and adhering to safety guidelines to protect oneself and loved ones from the harsh realities of such weather.
By taking proactive measures, such as dressing appropriately, limiting exposure to the cold, and monitoring weather forecasts, communities can enjoy the enchanting scenery while safeguarding their health.
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