KZN wakes up to snow as East Coast Radio listeners share icy scenes across the province

From Underberg to Nottingham Road and Kokstad, East Coast Radio listeners have been sharing photos, videos and weather reports as conditions continue to change.

One listener in Underberg said snow started falling at around 5am and was still coming down later in the morning.

Another reported snowfall at Brooksnek, around 10km outside Kokstad, while others woke up to snow covering parts of Nottingham Road.
Not everyone is seeing snow, but much of the province is feeling the effects of the cold front.

Listeners in Howick have reported heavy rain, while Richards Bay residents say conditions are cold, wet and windy. In Gillitts, one listener recorded 18mm of overnight rain with temperatures dropping to just 8°C.
There have also been reports of slippery roads in the Midlands, with one listener warning that Dargle Road had become dangerous because of wet, icy conditions and strong winds.

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Authorities close roads as snow continues

As snowfall intensified, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport activated its Snowfall Response Plan.

The Road Traffic Inspectorate confirmed snowfall in Kokstad, Underberg, Matatiele and around Nottingham Road. The R617 towards Kokstad has been closed, with traffic being diverted via the R56 after a truck became stuck near Kingscot.

Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has urged motorists to postpone unnecessary travel and warned members of the public against travelling into affected areas simply to experience the snow.

Road crews have also been deployed to clear snow before it accumulates to dangerous levels.

Icy conditions on the N3

Drivers using the N3 are also being urged to take extra care.

The N3 Toll Concession says light snowfall, rain, sleet and freezing temperatures are affecting sections of the route between Mooi River and Warden, while precautionary measures are underway near Van Reenen Pass to reduce the risk of black ice.

Motorists are advised to slow down, leave extra following distance, switch on their headlights and expect delays as traffic volumes increase following the Women's Day long weekend.

Rescue teams on standby

Midlands EMS says its rescue crews, K9 Search and Rescue teams and dedicated 4x4 rescue vehicles remain on high alert and are ready to respond should anyone become stranded in snow-affected areas.

The emergency service is urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to prioritise safety while the severe weather continues.

Share your weather with us

Have you woken up to snow, heavy rain or strong winds?

Send us your photos, videos and weather updates on WhatsApp 061 792 9495 and tell us where you are in KZN.

We'll keep updating this story as more reports come in.