A severe cold front is severely disrupting travel and daily life across South Africa, with the South African Weather Service issuing an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow in the Eastern Cape and Free State. Five high-lying mountain passes in the Eastern Cape remain closed to traffic as heavy snowfall persists across the region, according to authorities.
Winter conditions have forced the total closure of five key mountain passes in the Eastern Cape. The affected routes include the Barkly Pass on the R58 between Ekhephini (Barkly East) and Khowa (Elliot), the Penhoek Pass on the N6 between Komani and James Calata (Jamestown), the Boesmanshoek Pass between Sterkstroom and Molteno, the Qashas Nek Pass between Matatiele and Lesotho, and the Lootsberg Pass on the N9 between Robert Sobukwe (Graaff-Reinet) and Middelburg.
Authorities have provided an alternative route for motorists traveling on the N9: drivers can use the N9 and N6 toward the R61 to Nxuba, then rejoin the N10 toward Middelburg. While all other mountain passes remain open, officials urge motorists to exercise extreme caution as winter weather conditions change rapidly.
Did You Know? The South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 6 warning specifically for disruptive snow, designating the Eastern Cape and Free State as among the areas hardest hit by the severe weather system.
Additional Weather Warnings Across South Africa
Beyond the severe snowfalls in the high-lying areas, broader meteorological hazards are tracking across multiple provinces. Yellow Level 2 snow warnings remain in place for other vulnerable zones. Meanwhile, damaging winds are expected along parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coast, and Gauteng is bracing for severe thunderstorms as the weather turns increasingly treacherous.
Emergency personnel and traffic authorities reiterate strict safety directives for the public. “Avoid closed routes, obey road closure signs and follow instructions from traffic and emergency personnel,” officials stated as the storm system continues to impact transport routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain passes are currently closed in the Eastern Cape?
Five mountain passes remain closed due to heavy snowfall: Barkly Pass on the R58, Penhoek Pass on the N6, Boesmanshoek Pass between Sterkstroom and Molteno, Qashas Nek Pass between Matatiele and Lesotho, and Lootsberg Pass on the N9.
What weather warnings have been issued by the South African Weather Service?
The South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State, alongside Yellow Level 2 snow warnings. Damaging winds are also expected along parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coast, and severe thunderstorms are forecast for Gauteng.
What is the recommended alternative route for the closed Lootsberg Pass?
Motorists traveling around the closed Lootsberg Pass on the N9 from Graaff-Reinet can use the N9 and N6 toward the R61 to Nxuba, and then rejoin the N10 toward Middelburg.
How are local authorities advising motorists to handle the winter weather?
Officials urge motorists to exercise extreme caution, avoid closed routes, obey all road closure signs, and follow the instructions given by traffic and emergency personnel.
What regions are expected to experience severe thunderstorms?
Gauteng is bracing for severe thunderstorms as the dangerous weather system moves across the country.
How are you navigating the road closures and severe weather conditions in your area?
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