South Africa has recently led to significant disruptions, primarily affecting the N3 highway that connects Johannesburg and Durban. This unexpected weather event has resulted in the closure of major roads, stranding motorists for extended periods, with some individuals stuck in their vehicles for over 13 hours . Emergency services have been mobilized to assist those affected, highlighting the challenges posed by this extreme weather phenomenon. The snowfall has raised concerns regarding safety and accessibility, as several detours remain impassable due to adverse conditions.
Emergency services were working to reach people in their vehicles but it was still not clear how many were affected and in what condition they were, N3 Toll Concession operations manager Thania Dhoogra told the ENCA broadcaster.
"Emergency services have been working flat out through the night. They have been attempting to reach as many roads users as they can," Dhoogra said.
KwaZulu-Natal province said in a statement at midday.
Trucks had been parked on the side of the road since Friday, Road Traffic Management Corporation communications officer Simon Zwane told AFP. "Buses travelling between provinces have been stuck at petrol stations for around seven hours," he said.
Emergency services were working to reach people in their vehicles but it was still not clear how many were affected and in what condition they were, N3 Toll Concession operations manager Thania Dhoogra told the ENCA broadcaster.
"Emergency services have been working flat out through the night. They have been attempting to reach as many roads users as they can," Dhoogra said.
Blankets and meals had been delivered to some stranded motorists, the government of the KwaZulu-Natal province said in a statement at midday.
Trucks had been parked on the side of the road since Friday, Road Traffic Management Corporation communications officer Simon Zwane told AFP. "Buses travelling between provinces have been stuck at petrol stations for around seven hours," he said.
South African Weather Services forecaster Luthando Masimini told AFP. "It's an extreme case," he said.
Away from the danger areas, the rare phenomenon drew people excited to see the snow. Justin Nadasem Baker drove for three hours from Johannesburg with his family to Warden, about 50 kilometres from Harrismith.
Read more
US Boy Abducted from California in 1951 at Age 6 Found Alive on East Coast After More Than 70 Years SpaceX's Crew-9 Mission for NASA Set to Launch This WeekSarah H
Also on site :