*To their surprise, numerous South African motorists found themselves trapped in their vehicles for over 14 hours amidst the chilling conditions in a rare snowstorm on the country’s notorious N3 highway. Reports have surfaced of families braving the night’s bitter cold, trying to survive while stuck in heavy snowfall that unexpectedly swept in on January 20.
The plight of these motorists intensified as they described their struggle for warmth and sustenance while awaiting rescue.
The South African Weather Service escalated its snow alert for the affected regions to a Level 8 warning following the inclement weather. Heavy snowfall and icy roads led to the complete closure of the N3 Toll Route along Van Reenen Pass between Estcourt and Harrismith. This closure not only left several vehicles stranded but also caused significant traffic backlogs extending for kilometers.
Mohammad Goolam, a motorist stuck with his children near Harrismith, recounted his agonizing experience. “Over 13 hours without food supplies, I don’t see us managing to drive out of here without assistance from emergency personnel,” he told Newzroom Afrika, according to France24. The tales of hardship from stuck motorists reveal an alarming situation with reports indicating some areas had received up to two meters of snowfall — a staggering amount that has prompted warnings from authorities.
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As rescue workers mobilized on Saturday morning to clear the snow-lined N3, traffic authorities urged anyone seeking to travel through KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and surrounding areas to postpone their journeys due to the hazardous conditions. The N3 serves as a key national route connecting Johannesburg in Gauteng to Durban in Kwazulu-Natal, facilitating not only personal travel but also the critical transport of goods and logistics.
The highway traverses through diverse and picturesque landscapes, encountering the breathtaking Drakensberg mountains and the lush coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal. Consequently, this thoroughfare becomes especially congested during holiday seasons, often resulting in long delays even under optimal conditions. With the current weather turmoil, safety is paramount, and traffic authorities emphasize the need for vigilance and adherence to speed limits amid ongoing construction and inclement weather.
Acknowledging the economic ramifications of the N3 closure is essential, as it significantly impacts trade and local communities. Without prompt intervention and continued monitoring of the weather, motorists risk further delays that could stretch into days.
As motorists continue to await assistance, the empathy shown throughout the country underscores the dire impact of winter storms. With expectations of more snowfall combined with warnings remaining in effect for several regions, the situation remains critical. The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the vital importance of preparedness in the face of severe weather conditions.
Oh yes, if you’re wondering … snow is a rare occurrence in South Africa, but obviously, it does happen. Snowfall has been reported in South Africa in May 1956, August 1962, June 1964, September 1981, August 2006, June 27, 2007, August 7, 2012, and July 10, 2023. In Johannesburg, snow happens on average once every five years, and heavier snow happens once every 10 to 20 years. Before this weekend, the last time it snowed in Johannesburg was in August 2012, and in July 2023, residents were surprised by a rare snowfall
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