Freezing weather puts roads and power grid under pressure in SA

By Palesa Matlala

• Heavy snow could close roads and cut off some Eastern Cape communities, while freezing temperatures, rain and strong winds hit several provinces.

• More than 2,000 electricity outages have been reported across Johannesburg as increased use of heaters, geysers and stoves puts pressure on the power grid.

South Africans are waking up to another freezing day as snow, heavy rain and strong winds batter large parts of the country.

The Eastern Cape faces some of the worst weather on Tuesday.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow in parts of the province.

Heavy snow is expected around Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele.

The weather could cause serious problems on the roads, including temporary closures.

Some isolated communities could also become difficult to reach if snow blocks roads.

Snow is also expected over high lying parts of the Eastern Cape and western areas of KwaZulu-Natal.

Lighter snow could fall along the Free State’s border with Lesotho.

Even Beaufort West in the Western Cape could receive a light dusting of snow during the morning.

Rain is adding to the misery.

Mpumalanga faces a 60% to 80% chance of rain and showers.

KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern half of the Eastern Cape have a 60% chance of rain, with heavier and more widespread rain possible along the coast.

Gauteng faces a 30% chance of rain and showers.

The Free State also has a 30% chance, increasing to 60% in eastern areas.

Very cold conditions are expected across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and much of the Eastern Cape.

Strong winds will make conditions even tougher.

Damaging winds and rough seas are expected along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, creating problems for people at sea and along the coastline.

Parts of the Western Cape coast could also experience gale force winds later in the day.

Johannesburg’s electricity network is already feeling the pressure from the cold.

City Power is dealing with more than 2,000 outages across the city, with more faults continuing to be reported.

The utility says people are using more heaters, geysers and stoves to fight the cold, putting additional pressure on the electricity network.

Rain is also making it harder for repair teams to restore power.

Residents have been asked to reduce electricity use, particularly during busy periods.

The weather is also causing concern for schools.

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has urged parents, teachers and school communities to make learner safety a priority.

Learners have been encouraged to dress warmly and attend school where travelling conditions are safe.

Parents and learners have also been warned to take extra care on wet and slippery roads.

Motorists travelling through KwaZulu-Natal have also been urged to be careful as snow falls in parts of the province.

The N3 remains open, but drivers have been warned that conditions can change quickly.

“The entirety of the N3 toll route is a concern,” said N3 Toll Concession chief operating officer Thania Dhoogra.

In the North West, conditions will be cool and windy, with isolated showers and thunderstorms possible.

Limpopo can expect isolated to scattered showers, mainly in the south east.

The South African Weather Service has warned motorists, farmers and residents to prepare for difficult conditions.

Snow and heavy rain could make roads dangerous, while freezing temperatures could threaten livestock.

Strong winds could also cause damage and disrupt essential services.

People travelling through areas affected by snow have been urged to keep checking conditions before leaving home.

With snow falling, rain soaking several provinces and temperatures plunging, South Africans face another tough winter day.

Pictured above: Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, rain and strong winds are hitting parts of South Africa, with motorists warned to take extra care on dangerous roads.

Image source: File.