KZN and National Routes Disrupted as Snow, Ice and Rain Close Key Roads on Monday

Freezing conditions at the close of the long weekend have forced widespread road closures across KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa, as heavy snowfall, black ice, sleet, freezing rain and poor visibility severely disrupt travel on key routes.

Snowfall was initially confirmed in Underberg, Kokstad and Clifton near Nottingham Road on Monday morning, 10 August 2026, with further reports emerging from surrounding communities as the cold front intensified.

In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) urged motorists to exercise extreme caution and, where possible, postpone non-essential travel.

“Heavy snowfall, black ice, sleet, freezing rain and poor visibility are creating hazardous conditions, particularly along mountain passes and major routes,” stated the RTMC.

The agency subsequently outlined several critical road closures affecting multiple provinces:

Eastern Cape

• N6 Penhoek Pass – closed between Komani (Queenstown) and Jamestown.
• N9 Lootsberg Pass – closed between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg.
• R58 Barkly Pass – closed between Elliot and Barkly East.
• Boesmanshoek Pass – closed between Sterkstroom and Molteno.

KwaZulu-Natal / Free State

• N3 – closed between Estcourt and Harrismith. Motorists are advised not to travel to KwaZulu-Natal via the N3.
• R74 Oliviershoek Pass – closed between Harrismith and Bergville.
• R74 Greytown/Colenso Road – closed due to heavy snowfall.
• R103 and Tugela Toll Plaza – completely closed.
• R617 – closed between Kokstad and Underberg.
• Van Reenen Pass – extremely hazardous due to black ice.

Mpumalanga

• Long Tom Pass (R37) – completely closed after multiple vehicles became stranded.

Western Cape

• Swartberg Pass – closed due to snow.

At the same time, N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) confirmed that deteriorating weather conditions were affecting sections of the N3 Toll Route, while northbound traffic volumes continued to build towards Gauteng following the Women’s Day long weekend.

“Light snowfall has been reported along sections of the route throughout the day thus far. Affected areas include: between Balgowan and Nottingham Road, and between Van Reenen and Harrismith,” stated the N3TC.

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Rainfall has also been reported between Estcourt and the Tugela Toll Plaza, as well as along sections of Van Reenen Pass towards Harrismith.

Mist around Van Reenen town is further reducing visibility, slowing traffic and adding to already hazardous driving conditions.

With increased traffic volumes coinciding with icy road surfaces, rainfall, snowfall and reduced visibility, the N3TC urged motorists to adjust their driving accordingly.

Road users have been advised to:

• Reduce speed and drive according to prevailing conditions.
• Increase following distances and allow additional time to react.
• Keep headlights on, particularly in mist, rain and low visibility.
• Avoid sudden braking or lane changes, especially on wet or icy surfaces.
• Remain alert to rapidly changing road and weather conditions.
• Comply with all traffic management and safety measures implemented along the route.

“Plan ahead, stay informed and give yourself extra time. Your safe arrival is the priority,” stressed Thania Dhoogra, Chief Operating Officer of N3 Toll Route.

Meanwhile, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN CoGTA) issued an urgent advisory to motorists and residents as sustained snowfall and rainfall continued to affect parts of the province.

According to operational reports from the provincial disaster management team, several key routes remained significantly affected on Monday.

Here are the latest road status and operational updates provided by KZN CoGTA:

R617 – Underberg to Swartberg / Kokstad via Kingscourt: COMPLETELY CLOSED

Continuous heavy snowfall has rendered the route impassable due to severe icing and near-zero visibility.

R56 – Kokstad towards Matatiele: OPEN BUT WET

Continuous rainfall is affecting the route, with motorists urged to proceed with extreme caution.

N2 – Kokstad towards Beestekraal: OPEN BUT SLIPPERY

The route remains passable, although road surfaces are dangerously slippery due to rain and localised snowfall.

N2 – Kokstad towards the Eastern Cape / Brooksnek: OPEN BUT WET

Snowfall remains ongoing. Although accumulation on the road surface is limited, hazardous driving conditions persist.

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In response, KZN CoGTA issued three key directives to motorists.

Firstly, road users have been instructed not to attempt travelling along the closed R617 between Underberg, Swartberg and Kokstad. Non-essential journeys should be postponed, while alternative routes should only be used where conditions allow.

Secondly, motorists travelling along the R56 and N2 corridors have been urged to reduce speed, increase following distances, keep headlights switched on and remain vigilant for sudden patches of ice.

Lastly, all instructions issued by law enforcement officers, emergency personnel and traffic authorities must be followed.

“We appeal to all road users to exercise maximum caution and fully cooperate with our disaster management and traffic personnel on the ground. While several primary routes remain open, conditions can deteriorate rapidly with ongoing snowfall. Closing dangerous sections like the R617 is necessary to prevent severe accidents and protect lives,” said KZN CoGTA MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

He added that provincial disaster management teams continue to monitor weather developments in real time and coordinate response measures where required.

With weather and road conditions capable of changing rapidly, motorists are urged to assess travel plans carefully and remain alert to official updates before setting out.

Even on routes that remain open, black ice, reduced visibility, standing water and sudden snowfall may create dangerous conditions with little warning.

Authorities have therefore reiterated that non-essential travel through severely affected areas should be delayed where possible, while motorists already on the road should comply strictly with traffic officials and adjust their driving to the conditions.

Stay safe and be sure to read: Widespread Snowfall Could Hit KwaZulu-Natal and Six Other Provinces