Heavy snowfall causes closure of N2 highway, issuing safety advisories for drivers in KZN region
Snowstorm Shuts Down KwaZulu-Natal's Major Routes, Authorities Respond
The recent snowfall has forced the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport and Human Settlements to shut down the N2 between Kokstad and Umzimkhulu, warning motorists and "snow chasers" to steer clear of the area due to treacherous driving conditions. The Minister for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, declared the closure on Tuesday as severe weather had stranded trucks and congested traffic [1].
"We had to close the road completely between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg and R603 Tacoma to Reit to save lives," Duma said.
Clearing Routes of Snow, Keeping Traffic Moving
To prevent snow buildup from exceeding 30cm, the province has stationed more than ten motor graders along key routes. The drivers of these motor graders are trained to swiftly and urgently remove snow, keeping traffic moving [1]. The Road Traffic Inspectorate, in collaboration with local traffic police from Kokstad and Ray Nkonyeni municipalities, actively manages the situation, redirecting traffic, helping stuck vehicles, and cleaning off major routes.
Compared to other regions, the storm hit the areas around Kokstad and Port Shepstone, the N3 between Harrismith and Tugela Toll, and the R617 between Kokstad and Underberg particularly hard [2]. Leading the efforts to prioritize critical corridors is the department, focusing regulations on these areas.
Severe Weather Warnings and Emergency Meetings
Three Level 6 Orange warnings have been issued for snow, heavy rainfall, and gale-force winds across KwaZulu-Natal's southern regions [2]. Duma is slated to meet with Ugu District Mayor Skhumbuzo Mqadi, Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality Mayor Zandile Mzindle, and other local leaders to discuss coordinated responses.
"We strongly urge motorists and members of the public to stay away from that area entirely by postponing travel to Kokstad," said Duma.
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5]
Additional Insights
- The storm had a significant impact on the N2 highway, with the route between Ingeli and Kokstad being the worst affected [3].
- The Road Safety and Traffic Inspectorate is collaborating with the N3 Toll Concession to monitor major routes and assess possible road closures [1].
- Disaster Management teams are responding to numerous incidents resulting from the severe weather, addressing power outages and infrastructure damage [3].
- Residents are advised to avoid route closures due to snow and exercise extreme caution when traveling [3].
- Widespread power outages across the province have affected over 20 areas due to the snowstorm [5].
- Collaboration among the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and other departments emphasizes the importance of safety and cooperation from residents [3].
- The province is stationing more than ten motor graders along key routes to swiftly and urgently remove snow, aiding in weather-forecasting and keeping traffic moving safely.
- In a bid to reduce the impact of the snowstorm, the department is focusing regulations on critical corridors to prioritize weather-forecasting and maintain smooth emergency responses.
