Image: ln24SA
A powerful cold front sweeping across South Africa since the weekend has caused widespread disruption, bringing heavy snowfall, power outages, dangerous driving conditions, and at least one fatal road accident.
Five people lost their lives in a crash on the N2 highway in the Eastern Cape, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The accident, attributed to the hazardous weather, occurred as snow and ice made travel treacherous along major routes.
“We urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and to heed warnings from traffic and emergency officials,” Binqose said.
Snowfall has been reported in several high-lying areas across the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and parts of the Free State. In some regions, snowfall reached levels not seen in years, prompting road closures and temporary suspension of services.
Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, also reported localized power outages, citing weather-related infrastructure damage. Emergency crews are working to restore service in affected areas.
Weather forecasters say the cold front is expected to persist through midweek, with below-freezing temperatures continuing in mountainous and inland areas.
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