Treacherous snow in KZN and Free State: Travellers stranded

Motorists are advised to avoid travelling in parts of South Africa as roads remain closed due to heavy snowfall and treacherous conditions.

September 21, 2024
Allison Cooper 2 minutes read
Image: Northern Natal Courier.

Van Reenen’s Pass and various other routes and roads in KZN and the Free State remain closed, with many vehicles stuck and people stranded in their cars since before 21:00 last night.

According to the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), which posted on Facebook at 06:25 this morning, the N3 Toll Route remains closed from Escourt to Harrismith, with various other lane closures along the route.

“In addition, dangerous driving conditions and poor visibility are being reported along the entire route from KZN to Gauteng.

“The situation is dire, with road users stranded and various crashes and other emergencies being reported.”

The N3TC Route Control Centre is being inundated with calls, and disaster management teams and all other emergency service resources ‘remain under tremendous pressure’.

Authorities are advising people to avoid travel in affected areas until further notice.

Those who need assistance can call the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800 63 43 57.

Last night, heavy snowfall and a sharp drop in temperatures created extremely dangerous driving conditions, with black ice forming on the roads.

Before the N3 was closed in both directions, the NT3C warned that road surfaces were slippery, causing trucks to lose traction, especially on uphill sections of Van Reenen’s Pass.

Disaster management teams are actively monitoring conditions as heavy snowfall and rain continue to affect various areas.

The KZN Provincial Disaster Management Centre is co-ordinating multi-sectoral interventions to provide relief and facilitate the clearing of roads where necessary.

Safety tips for motorists stuck on the roads

The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs issued the following safety tips for stranded motorists:

  • Stay in your vehicle: If you are stranded, it is safer to stay inside your vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100m.
  • Signal for help: Display a brightly coloured cloth (preferably red) on your radio antenna or hang it out of the window to signal for help. Raise the hood after the snow stops falling.
  • Run the engine sparingly: Run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. Ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Conserve fuel: Use your vehicle’s heater sparingly to conserve fuel. Keep a window slightly open to allow fresh air in.
  • Stay visible: Keep the dome light on at night when running the engine. This uses a small amount of power and helps rescuers see you.
  • Stay warm: Use blankets, extra clothing, or anything available to stay warm. Move your arms and legs occasionally to maintain circulation.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, but avoid alcohol as it lowers body temperature.

The Ladysmith Gazette, South Coast Herald and Northern Natal Courier have posted numerous videos and photographs of the road conditions and snow on their Facebook pages:

Image: South Coast Herald.

 

Read original story on www.citizen.co.za

September 21, 2024
Allison Cooper 2 minutes read
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