Extreme cold conditions are expected across parts of KwaZulu Natal on Friday and at the weekend.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued three warnings for the province – an orange level 6 warning for disruptive snowfall over the extreme south-western parts of KZN; a yellow level 2 warning for snowfall over the western parts; and a yellow level 2 warning for disruptive rain, winds and waves for across the province except the north-eastern region.
Saws weather forecaster Siphesihle Dlamini said a cut-off low pressure system would lead to a decrease in temperatures, resulting in snowfalls over the western part of the province.
“We have an orange level 6 warning that is covering the areas of Kokstad all the way to uKhahlamba. A yellow level 2 warning for snowfall covering the areas from Harding all the way to Newcastle, but we are expecting the impact to be minor there.
“We are expecting some disruptive rains covering the whole province.
The areas of Ulundi, as well as along the coastal areas. On the South Coast, including Durban, we might get some significant rain (from today).”
He said there was also a warning for disruptive waves from Port Edward to Kosi Bay.
Dlamini said such weather was typical for this time of the year as summer is approaching.
“Moving into summer, we do experience systems like the cut-off lows. So, it is typical of it to give us this type of weather.”
The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs said MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi had placed disaster management teams on high alert across the province in response to the expected weather this weekend.
Spokesperson for Cogta, Senzelwe Mzila, said the inclement weather posed a potential risk to human life and livestock and disaster management teams had been assigned to monitor areas prone to weather-related incidents.
“The MEC encourages residents across the province to consider the weather conditions, which could result in localised flooding of roads, walkways and low-lying bridges. The weather conditions could also cause road closures due to snow, particularly in areas around the Drakensberg.
“Residents who rely on generators and braziers are urged to use caution when using these methods to keep warm,” said Mzila.
The eThekwini Municipality said its disaster and emergency personnel were on high alert and residents were advised to take precautionary measures to prevent possible injuries.
The Mercury