KZN residents warned to prepare for more rain, snow

The predicted cold weather has arrived and KwaZulu-Natal residents have been warned to brace themselves for more snow and rain over the next few days.

Following close on the heels of the extreme winter weather system that brought widespread snow and bitter cold a week ago, the South African Weather Services (SAWS) issued a yellow level 2 warning for snow over the south-western parts of KZN on Thursday.

While snow is expected to fall in areas around the Drakensberg, there is a possibility that it might spread towards the Midlands in areas like Bulwer, Boston, Impendle, and closer to Howick; Mooi River and even Nottingham Road.

SAWS forecaster Julius Mahlango said temperatures were expected to remain low until Saturday when it is expected to warm up.

He said the drastic drop in temperatures was due to yet another cut-off low weather system that developed over the southern interior of South Africa.

“This weather will persist into Friday, when heavier falls can be expected over the western and central parts of both KZN and the Cape,” he said.

“Persistent rainfall is therefore likely to lead to localised flooding and minor disruptions of road traffic. Moreover, there is also the possibility of a few thunderstorms developing, some of which may become severe.

“Large amounts of small hail as well as strong, gusty surface winds may also contribute to icy roads and hazardous driving conditions. Motorists encountering such conditions are advised to reduce speed and to observe safe following distances in traffic. By Saturday, much of the rainfall will be in the process of shifting to the eastern and north-eastern provinces. The majority of the inclement weather is expected to clear by Sunday,” said Mr Mahlango.