Unpredictable weather has bitten again, this time in the form of rare snowstorms that fell on parts of South Africa over the weekend. The heavy snowfalls have paralysed daily life, taking existence and tearing everything apart. The N3 highway connecting Johannesburg to Durban confirmed the deaths of two people trapped in their cars. To many people, the snowstorm came as a surprise, with widespread road closures, traffic immobilization, and fear of flooding.
Tragic Losses Due to Hypothermia
Two people, snowed in on the N3 highway for hours, perished in the falls. The two are 39-year-old women trapped inside a minibus. She had died from hypothermia after too long in the snow. The N3 is the main highway to the coastal metropolis of Durban, spanning hundreds of meters. The storm left more than a hundred vehicles blocked.
KwaZulu-Natal and Free State are the worst-hit provinces.
The storm unleashed its fury on KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces. Farmers in these areas were some of the worst affected because their crops remained buried under the snow for days. Officials have also warned that as the snow melts, the risk of flooding may be a serious concern in low-lying areas, especially where the Tugela River is concerned. Authorities have proceeded to advise communities to remain vigilant.
The storm has also forced the closure of schools in KwaZulu-Natal. On Radio Wynland’s Thulasizwe Buthelezi, a provincial minister of cooperative governance, appealed to parents to keep their children away from rivers and dams since they might be risky now because of the expected floods.
Roads blocked, motorists stranded
Heavy snow shut down the N3 highway, one of the country’s busiest routes, for an entire day. Emergency services also distribute food and warm beverages to those stranded in their cars for hours. Most of the time, we warn motorists to either avoid these roads or proceed with extreme caution.
In a conversation with ENCA, Thania Dhoogra, an operations manager at N3 Toll Concession, expressed the group’s perspective and highlighted the challenging conditions. Even detours were impassable due to the snow buildup, making it difficult for emergency services to reach all the affected vehicles.
Social media reacts to unprecedented snowfall.
South Africans expressed their shock and amazement at the unusual weather on social media. “Sigh. The highway between Durban and Johannesburg is blocked. Kristy Tallman expressed her dismay at the exceptional snowfall. Many others posted pictures and videos of the white roads and the affected areas, making it possible for many to feel that the storm was really unusual.
Indeed, one would expect that regions like South Africa have diverse climate conditions. Snowstorms of this magnitude are a rare occurrence. The South African Weather Service admitted that it did not expect the country to experience such weather. According to them, though snowfall in South Africa is common, the quantities are usually minor and confined to a few sections. The storm, on the other hand, completely covered vast parts of the country and caused serious disruptions in transportation and daily activities.
Emergencies are on high alert as they do their best to clear up roads, provide electricity, and distribute aid. We advise residents to remain indoors until further notice, as the roads remain extremely hazardous even after partial clearing. Public transportation, including buses and trains, also experiences significant disruptions, with the majority of their services experiencing delays or complete cancellations.
However, in many areas, the snow is already on the verge of melting. Meanwhile, the authorities are watching closely for the accumulation of water along the rivers and dam banks. Once the snow begins to melt, there’s a strong possibility that flooding might go ahead in several areas, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. Authorities have issued alerts, and teams are prepared to respond quickly when necessary.
Stay Safe and Prepared
The recent South African snowstorm reminds one of how unpredictable the weather can be. As a result, it is essential that residents in areas experiencing the event stay updated with relevant information, instructions, and advisories regarding the weather and take precautions wherever possible. Even if you find yourself in an area prone to flooding or that may experience road closures due to heavy rain, you should minimize travel and stay indoors until the weather improves.
Drivers should also travel in daylight, as it is always safer. Most roads may seem clear in certain areas, but snow and ice can quickly turn them into extremely hazardous areas within minutes. Emergency services are working faithfully, but it’s always better to be careful, keep track of local news, and focus on your safety.
Conclusion
The snowstorm in South Africa, a rare occurrence, has significantly altered the country’s landscape, not only resulting in fatalities but also causing issues with transportation and daily necessities. As the country gradually regains its sense of normalcy, it has become clear that even in the most prepared areas, extreme weather conditions could soon manifest. We can best ensure safety and resilience in such unpredictable conditions by staying informed, exercising caution, and cooperating.
