KwaZulu-Natal authorities are preparing for disruptive rainfall and snowfall across large parts of the province, with the approaching weather system expected to increase the risk of flooding, road closures and hazardous travel conditions.
Disaster management teams have been placed on high alert, while Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) units are being positioned along key routes, including the N2, N3 and N11.
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Teams are also being deployed in Ladysmith, Kokstad, Underberg, Harding, Newcastle and Pietermaritzburg, where road closures may be implemented to prevent motorists from becoming stranded.
The preparations follow updated advisories from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), which confirmed that a cut-off low-pressure system is driving the severe conditions.
As a result, the system is expected to affect KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the southern Free State and areas along the Lesotho border before gradually clearing from the west.
As reported by Newcastillian News on Monday, 27 July 2026, SAWS initially issued a Level 2 Warning for Disruptive Snow for the south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal from Tuesday evening, 28 July 2026, until Wednesday night, 29 July 2026.
At the same time, a Level 2 Warning for Disruptive Rain was issued for parts of central KwaZulu-Natal, while a Level 4 warning covered eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni and Mtubatuba.
To read the earlier report, click here.
While the snowfall warning remains in place, SAWS has since escalated the Yellow Level 4 Warning for Disruptive Rain to an Orange Level 6 warning in several parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Level 2 rainfall warning has also been expanded to include additional towns.
The Orange Level 6 warning covers coastal and adjacent areas, including Hluhluwe, eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Mtubatuba, Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi and Umzumbe.
According to SAWS, persistent rainfall along the coast and adjacent interior could result in the flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage to infrastructure and vulnerable housing structures, on Wednesday, 29 July 2026.
The conditions are being driven by the interaction between a cut-off low over the southern interior and a ridging high-pressure system south of the country, which continues to channel moisture into KwaZulu-Natal.
SAWS said scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected across most of the province, with isolated activity forecast for the extreme north.
A Level 2 Warning for Disruptive Rain has also been issued for Underberg, Greater Kokstad, Estcourt, Sobabili, Impendle, Mooi River, Giants Castle, Bergville, Richmond, Msunduzi, uMngeni, uMshwathi and Umvoti.
SAWS indicated that the warning is associated with minor impacts across central and southern KwaZulu-Natal.
Localised flooding of low-lying areas, roads and bridges remains possible, while reduced visibility and slippery roads could increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents.
In response to the developing conditions, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZNCoGTA) confirmed that disaster management teams across the province remain on high alert.
Furthermore, the department warned that the conditions could result in the flooding of settlements and infrastructure, threats to human life from fast-flowing water, severe traffic disruption and interruptions to essential services, including water, electricity and communications. Structural damage to mud-based homes is also a concern.
KZNCoGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi urged residents to take precautions by avoiding flooded roads and moving valuables and livestock to higher ground. He also cautioned people against attempting to cross low-lying bridges or fast-flowing streams above ankle depth.
Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport confirmed that it is coordinating its response with the Department of Human Settlements to ensure that assistance can be provided where required.
MEC for Transport Sboniso Duma said road-clearing equipment would be deployed as part of the province’s established snowfall response plan.
“In particular, as per our standard snowfall response plan, graders, working with Road Traffic Inspectorate teams, will remove snow before it can accumulate to above 30 cm on our road networks.”
Duma added that RTI teams positioned along the N2, N3 and N11, as well as in Ladysmith, Kokstad, Underberg, Harding, Newcastle and Pietermaritzburg, would coordinate road closures where necessary to prevent motorists from becoming trapped.
“Our road freight directorate will be engaging with stakeholders in the freight and logistics sector to ensure the execution of one coherent plan. While we understand that there should be no disruption of supply chain management, the overall movement of trucks will be carefully co-ordinated to prevent congestion on our road networks,” said Duma.
He added that the Department of Human Settlements, working with eThekwini Municipality, had made more than 170 rooms available at the recently acquired Montclair Lodge to accommodate families who may be left without shelter by flooding.
At a national level, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned that snowfall, icy conditions and freezing temperatures are likely to affect major routes through the Eastern Cape highlands, the Drakensberg and transport corridors towards Lesotho.
“The anticipated weather conditions are expected to create hazardous driving conditions, particularly on mountain passes, high-altitude routes and major transport corridors. Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas and to remain alert for possible road closures, reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces,” stated the RTMC.
Motorists have been urged to reduce their speed, increase following distances and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling. Drivers should also carry warm clothing, blankets, water and fully charged mobile devices.
The RTMC also warned motorists not to ignore road-closure barriers or attempt to travel on roads covered by snow or ice.
“Such actions place motorists, passengers and emergency responders at unnecessary risk and may delay rescue and recovery operations,” the RTMC stated.
With the system expected to intensify, residents have been encouraged to monitor official weather updates, check on vulnerable members of their communities, keep pets warm and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas.
Newcastillian News will continue monitoring the warnings, weather conditions and possible road closures as the system moves across KwaZulu-Natal.
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