Eskom snow in three provinces low temperatures

Photo: Storm Report / Twitter

Heavy snow expected this weekend, disaster teams on alert

Disaster management teams are on alert after the SA Weather Service warned about the risk of heavy snow expected to fall on Saturday.

Eskom snow in three provinces low temperatures

Photo: Storm Report / Twitter

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has placed its disaster management teams on alert following the weather warning of an increased risk of heavy snow issued by the South African Weather Service.

KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka announced on Friday that his department’s disaster management teams had been placed on alert following the weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service. The weather report warned of the risk of disruptive snow in areas in the Harry Gwala, uMgungundlovu and uThukela districts of the province. 

According to the weather warning municipalities including, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Greater Kokstad, Inkosi Langalibalele, Mooi-Mpofana and uMngeni could experience snowfall from Saturday morning and into the evening. 

Hlomuka urged residents to exercise extreme caution by monitoring weather conditions prior to making any journey. 

“We are pleading with communities to ensure that they take the necessary precautions as the weather conditions pose a risk to human life. Our disaster management teams will monitor major routes and areas that are prone to incidents,” Hlomuka said.

Hlomuka called on residents living in areas that might be affected by snow to stay indoors and keep warm. 

“In our efforts to keep warm, we once again urge caution, especially those who use generators and braziers. Those who might be travelling on our roads, it is important that they stay up to date on the weather conditions on the routes they plan to utilise,” Hlomuka said. 

“We also appeal to farmers and pet owners to ensure that their animals have adequate shelter,” he added.

He said the Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to liaise with all the disaster centres in the province’s districts in order to monitor the heightened risk of snow and inclement weather conditions and to respond when needed.

The province’s Drakensberg area last received a dusting of snow in July.