South Africa weather alert: snow, hail and icy roads disrupt travel

Heavy snow, hail, rain and icy conditions are causing major disruption across several provinces in South Africa, with a number of key roads closed. Motorists are being urged to drive with extreme caution.

The worst-hit areas appear to be KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, where several major routes have been shut because of snow. Snow has also been reported in parts of the Western Cape, while hail and other hazardous weather are affecting the Free State, Mpumalanga and other provinces.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation has issued an urgent warning, calling on drivers to take extra care.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the N3 is closed between Estcourt and Harrismith, and motorists are advised not to use the route to reach the province. The road is also closed near Midmar and Howick. Van Reenen Pass remains extremely dangerous because of ice.

The R617 is closed between Kokstad and Underberg after a truck became stranded at Kingscote. The R74 is shut between Harrismith and Bergville at Oliviershoek Pass, while the R74 Greytown-Colenso route is also closed near Santa Maria. The R103 and the Tugela toll plaza are fully closed, and traffic between Lions River and Nottingham Road is moving slowly at around 20 kilometres per hour.

In the Eastern Cape, the N6, N9, R58 and Boesmanshoek Pass are all closed. In the Free State, emergency teams are spreading brine on the N3 between Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass to prevent ice from forming, as sleet, rain and snow continue.

In Mpumalanga, Long Tom Pass on the R37 has been closed, while the N4/N12 interchange remains extremely dangerous after several accidents. The roads around Belfast, Dullstroom and Roossenekal are open, but drivers are being warned to proceed with caution. In Volksrust and Ermelo, freezing rain and icy conditions are also being reported.

In the Western Cape, Swartberg Pass, Mont Rochelle and Franschhoek Pass are closed because of snow.

The Gauteng, Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape provinces remain largely open, although some areas are cold and wet.

Authorities say road and weather conditions can change quickly, and motorists are advised to check the latest updates before travelling.