Rare Snowstorm Forces Highway Closure in South Africa

The recent rare snowstorm in South Africa has had significant repercussions, particularly leading to the closure of major highways, most notably the N3, which connects Johannesburg and Durban. The snowfall, described as unusual and unprecedented for this late in the season, resulted in approximately two meters of snow in some regions . This extreme weather event not only stranded thousands of motorists overnight but also prompted emergency services to mobilize resources to provide assistance, including blankets and meals .

 an unusual snow and ice storm forced the closing of South Africa’s N3 highway at Van Reenen’s Pass, which connects Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal, the nation’s two most populous provinces on Saturday, Sept. 21. 

Thousands of residents have been displaced across the continent, with dozens more unaccounted for since the heavy rainfall began nearly two weeks ago.

Mayor of Polish city Nysa, Kordian Kolbiarz, has urged all 44,000 residents to evacuate and head for higher ground following fears of an embankment breaching and releasing water into the town.

South Africa's Border Management Authority said three border posts with the kingdom of Lesotho had been closed as "the current conditions pose a significant danger."

Many road users posted videos on social media showing cars, trucks and minibusses stuck in deep snow.

Motorist Muhammad Goolam told the Newzroom Afrika channel that he and his children had spent the night in his car outside the town of Harrismith, situated 270 kilometers (170 miles) southeast of Johannesburg.

"Over 13 hours, food supplies out, I don't see us managing to drive out of here without any assistant from emergency personnel," he said.

The Met Office revealed this year’s list, which covers the 2024/2025 season starting in September to coincide with the beginning of autumn.

Earlier this summer Storm Lilian hit the UK, which was itself the tail end of Hurricane Ernesto, bringing winds of over 70mph to northern parts of England and Wales.

The South African Weather Service issued weather alerts in the region, warning that disruptive snow was causing life-threatening conditions with the potential for loss of livestock and crops.

The weather service warned that mountain passes in a number of areas were closed and that some communities were temporarily inaccessible.

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Sarah H

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