SAWS warns of snow, heavy rain and damaging winds as cold front hits parts of SA

South Africans are being urged to take precautions as a cold front, supported by an upper cut-off low, brings typical winter conditions across parts of the country.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Tuesday that wet, very cold and windy conditions were expected over the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Snowfalls are possible over mountainous areas, while rough seas and damaging waves are expected along parts of the coastline.

“Farmers and the public in general are advised to take necessary precautions,” SAWS said.

The weather service has issued several warnings for Tuesday, including a Level 6 Orange Warning for disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape.

The warning affects Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele, where heavy snowfall could disrupt livelihoods, cause major traffic problems and leave some communities temporarily inaccessible.

A Level 2 Yellow Warning for disruptive snow has also been issued for parts of the Eastern Cape, including areas of Dr Beyers Naude, Raymond Mhlaba, Amahlathi, Intsika Yethu, Dr AB Xuma, Mhlontlo and Mzimvubu local municipalities, as well as the Chris Hani District Municipality.

The warning extends to the eastern and southern parts of the Free State along the Lesotho border and western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

SAWS warned that the snow could result in localised traffic disruptions, isolated livestock and crop losses and disruptions to services.

Flooding and damaging winds

A Level 2 Yellow Warning for disruptive rain is in place over most of Mpumalanga, excluding the extreme western parts of the province.

The rainfall could result in localised flooding of susceptible settlements, roads and bridges.

Meanwhile, coastal communities in KwaZulu-Natal have been warned about damaging winds and waves.

SAWS said the conditions could disrupt activities at small harbours and ports, create dangerous navigation conditions and damage infrastructure and settlements.

The strong winds could also result in injuries and pose a danger to life due to flying debris.

A further Level 2 Yellow Warning for damaging winds has been issued over the northern parts of the West Coast District and Witzenberg Municipality in the Western Cape.

The warning also covers the Namakwa District in the Northern Cape, except the north-eastern parts of Pofadder Municipality, as well as the western parts of Mpumalanga.

A Level 1 Yellow Warning for damaging winds is also in effect between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas from Tuesday morning until Wednesday afternoon, with difficult navigation conditions expected at sea.

SAWS has also warned of extremely high fire danger conditions over the Richtersveld Municipality.

Residents in affected areas have been urged to monitor weather updates and heed warnings from authorities, particularly in areas where snow, flooding, strong winds and dangerous coastal conditions are expected.