Strong winds forecast to reach up to 90 km/h across parts of KwaZulu-Natal have prompted the South African Weather Service to issue a Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds, while traffic control measures have been activated on Van Reenen’s Pass after gusts exceeding 100 km/h were recorded.
The warning applies to Tuesday, 12 May 2026, with the northern and far western parts of KwaZulu-Natal expected to experience some of the strongest conditions.
According to SAWS, wind speeds in affected areas may range between 80 km/h and 90 km/h, raising concerns over transport disruptions, damage to vulnerable structures, agricultural losses and interruptions to communication or power networks.
Areas listed within the warning zone include Vryheid, Indaka, Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Underberg, eDumbe, Utrecht and Dundee. Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Estcourt, Giants Castle, Mooi River, Msinga and Newcastle are also expected to be affected, along with Bergville, Pongola, Nkandla, Nongoma and Nquthu.
SAWS warned that the conditions could result in localised damage to formal and informal settlements, particularly where structures are poorly secured or exposed to open terrain.
Agricultural production may also be affected, while temporary structures, trees and weaker infrastructure could come under strain as the winds intensify.
Furthermore, transport remains one of the main concerns, with strong crosswinds posing a risk to road users, especially on elevated or exposed routes.
High-sided vehicles, trucks, vehicles towing trailers or caravans, and vehicles carrying light loads are considered especially vulnerable in these conditions.
The risk has already materialised on Van Reenen’s Pass, where the N3 Toll Concession confirmed that wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h were measured on Monday afternoon, 11 May 2026. As a result, traffic control measures were implemented along the pass between Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State.
According to N3TC, the measures are being enforced by law enforcement officials in the interest of road-user safety, as strong and changing winds continue to place additional pressure on drivers along the corridor.
Thania Dhoogra, Chief Operating Officer of N3TC, urged motorists to adjust their driving to the conditions.
“Please reduce speed, heed warnings and follow official instructions. Extra caution is required by all drivers on the N3 Toll Route tonight and tomorrow as the SA Weather Service has advised that these conditions are likely to continue into tomorrow,” Dhoogra stressed.
In a separate alert, Dhoogra also warned that strong winds can affect vehicle stability, reduce driver control and result in fallen debris or obstructions along the route.
Motorists were urged to keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel, maintain safe following distances and prepare for rapidly changing weather, possible congestion and delays.
Temporary traffic restrictions or road closures may be implemented should conditions deteriorate further.
N3TC has advised road users to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before travelling and to carry warm clothing, blankets, emergency medication, drinking water, food supplies, a torch and mobile phone chargers when using the route during adverse weather.
Route operations teams and Road Incident Management System partners are monitoring conditions along the N3, with emergency and traffic management support deployed where required.
For residents across northern and western KwaZulu-Natal, the warning means extra caution is needed throughout the day.
Loose outdoor items should be secured, temporary structures should be reinforced where possible, and motorists should avoid unnecessary travel on exposed routes if conditions worsen.
Lastly, road users travelling between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State are urged to follow official updates, obey traffic officers and avoid taking chances in severe crosswinds.
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