A devastating snowstorm over the weekend wreaked havoc on the N3 highway in KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in the tragic deaths of two people from hypothermia. Motorists were left stranded for nearly two days in freezing conditions, unable to move as thick snow blanketed the roads.
Rescue Efforts in Full Force
Acting KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa provided an update on Sunday, emphasizing that while many motorists had been rescued, some remained trapped in their vehicles. Multiple teams, including non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross and Al Imdaad Foundation, were mobilized to deliver food, water, and hot meals to the stranded individuals.
Provincial agencies, including SASSA and the Department of Social Development, are actively assisting affected families. Helicopters from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) are also on standby to deliver emergency supplies and assist in evacuations.
“We urge all residents to stay safe, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety guidelines during this challenging time,” said Madlopha-Mthethwa.
Road Clearing Efforts Continue
As of Sunday, road-clearing operations on the N3 between Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State were ongoing. The N3 Toll Concession (N3TC) reported a 30km stretch still needing to be cleared, with abandoned and broken-down vehicles posing additional challenges.
Weather Outlook for the Week
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), no further snowfall is expected from Monday. However, cooler temperatures will persist across KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Free State. Isolated thunderstorms are anticipated in southern KZN on Tuesday, while the Western Cape may experience light rain towards the latter half of the week.
N3 Reopens, Traffic Resumes
By today, Monday morning, the N3 is fully reopened, and traffic is flowing again. The N3TC confirms that the heavy backlog of vehicles between KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State has been cleared. However, COO Thania Dhoogra urges motorists to prioritize daytime travel, emphasizing that road and weather conditions can change rapidly.
‘Daytime travel is always safer. Please plan ahead, stay informed, and be prepared for any eventuality,’ Dhoogra advises.
