Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian
Authorities are advising motorists to avoid one of the country’s major routes in the east as heavy snowfall blankets the N3 highway connecting Johannesburg and Durban.
On Saturday, KwaZulu-Natal province experienced significant disruptions due to the snow, leaving many drivers stranded overnight in their vehicles. The N3, a crucial highway, has been heavily affected, prompting traffic authorities to urge travelers to postpone their journeys and steer clear of the area.
N3 Highway Closed
“Heavy snowfall continues to impact the N3 highway, especially between Warden and Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, creating extremely hazardous travel conditions,” the South African Department of Transport stated. The ministry expressed concern for those stranded overnight at gas stations and along the highway due to road closures, adding that various emergency services were being dispatched to assist.
Fortunately, no fatalities or injuries have been reported as of now. Road safety organization Arrive Alive cautioned that visibility on the N3 is poor, and the cold, wet weather is expected to persist. “The risk of additional snowfalls and black ice formation remains high as temperatures drop overnight,” they warned, sharing updates on social media that highlight the snowfall’s extent.
South Africa’s Border Management Authority announced the closure of three border posts with Lesotho due to hazardous conditions.
Many drivers shared videos online showing vehicles—including cars, trucks, and minibuses—stranded in the deep snow. Motorist Muhammad Goolam told Newzroom Afrika that he and his children spent the night in their car near Harrismith, about 270 kilometers (170 miles) southeast of Johannesburg. “After over 13 hours, we’re out of food, and I don’t see how we can drive out of here without help from emergency services,” he said.
A Key Freight Corridor
The N3 is one of South Africa’s busiest highways, facilitating the transport of goods to and from the port city of Durban. It serves as a vital freight corridor, handling millions of tons of cargo annually.
The South African Weather Service issued alerts regarding the severe weather, warning that disruptive snowfall is creating life-threatening conditions, with potential losses to livestock and crops. They noted that several mountain passes are closed and some communities are temporarily unreachable.
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