Major roads have closed in several provinces as authorities warn motorists of dangerous winter conditions.
Johannesburg, South Africa (Running Africa) — Heavy snow, hail, rain, and freezing temperatures have disrupted travel across several parts of South Africa, forcing authorities to close major highways and mountain passes as dangerous winter conditions spread across the country.
KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, and Western Cape are among the provinces experiencing severe weather, with motorists being warned about snow-covered roads, ice, poor visibility, and hazardous driving conditions.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged travelers to avoid affected routes where possible, monitor official road updates, and prepare for significant delays as emergency crews work to keep major transport corridors safe.
KwaZulu-Natal Roads Closed as Snow and Ice Intensify
KwaZulu-Natal is among the hardest-hit provinces, with sections of the N3, R617, and R74 closed because of dangerous conditions.
Authorities have raised particular concerns about Van Reenen Pass, a major transport route connecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, where ice has made driving especially hazardous.
Motorists have been advised not to attempt to use closed routes and to avoid unnecessary travel in areas experiencing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.
Eastern Cape and Free State Face Major Travel Disruptions
Severe weather has also forced road closures across the Eastern Cape, including sections of the N6, N9, and R58.
In the neighboring Free State, emergency teams have been applying brine to sections of the N3 to reduce ice formation and maintain safer driving conditions.
Authorities continue to monitor temperatures as freezing conditions threaten to create additional black ice on major roads.
Mpumalanga Reports Closures and Accidents
In Mpumalanga, the well-known Long Tom Pass has been closed due to severe weather, making the mountainous route unsafe for motorists.
Officials have also warned drivers to exercise extreme caution around the N4/N12 interchange, where several accidents have been reported amid wet and slippery conditions.
Emergency services remain deployed in affected areas as authorities assess whether additional closures are necessary.
Snow Forces Western Cape Mountain Pass Closures
Parts of the Western Cape have also experienced snowfall, forcing authorities to close several mountain routes.
Swartberg Pass, Mont Rochelle, and Franschhoek Pass are among the affected roads, with motorists advised to avoid them until conditions improve and authorities confirm the routes are safe to reopen.
Motorists Urged to Check Conditions Before Traveling
The RTMC has urged motorists across South Africa to check road and weather conditions before beginning their journeys, particularly when traveling between provinces or through mountainous regions.
Drivers have also been advised to reduce speed, increase following distances, and avoid crossing officially closed roads.
While several northern provinces have so far avoided major disruptions, freezing temperatures, rainfall, and slippery roads continue to pose risks across parts of the country.
Authorities say emergency teams will continue monitoring affected routes as South Africa’s severe winter weather disrupts travel and creates hazardous conditions across several provinces.
