By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Lehlohonolo Lehana/Fullview.
An intense cold snap has gripped South Africa, bringing rain, sleet and snow, and causing hazardous conditions on the country’s roads.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of weather warnings as a cold-front sweeps through the country.
The warnings, valid from Sunday 9 August through Tuesday 11 August, affect the Free State, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, southern parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal.
The snow is expected to disrupt livelihoods and traffic, and leave some communities temporarily inaccessible.
Government meanwhile urged the public to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions.
Government, through the relevant authorities, is monitoring the developing weather system and calls on communities, motorists, farmers and other members of the public to remain informed and take appropriate precautions,” Acting Government Spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said.
Members of the public are urged to:
• Monitor the latest SAWS weather forecasts and warnings and follow guidance issued by disaster management authorities.
• Plan journeys carefully and check weather and road conditions before travelling, particularly in areas where heavy rain, snow or strong winds are expected.
• Exercise extra caution when driving in adverse weather conditions, reduce speed, maintain a safe following distance and use headlights where visibility is poor.
• Never attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges or fast-flowing water, either on foot or in a vehicle. Turn around and seek a safer alternative route.
• Exercise particular caution when travelling through mountainous areas and mountain passes, where snowfall may result in slippery roads, hazardous driving conditions, road closures and travel disruptions.
• Communities living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should remain alert to rising water levels.
• Secure loose objects, equipment and structures around homes and properties that could be displaced or damaged by strong winds.
• Ensure that children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of communities are adequately protected from the cold.
The weather service said it expects the upper-air trough is expected to deepen even further as it moves over the central to eastern parts of the country, spreading the cold to very cold conditions with rain and showers further inland, while scattered to widespread rain and showers are expected over the southern parts of the country on Monday, 10 August.