Overnight snow in high lying areas of the Eastern Cape temporarily closed several mountain passes from Graaff-Reinet to Barkley-East as heavy trucks got stuck on slippery roads yesterday.
Although large parts of the province have experienced rain, icy weather and even snow over the past few days, Weather SA Eastern Cape spokesman Garth Sampson yesterday said conditions would clear and that it would "be sunny but cool" over the weekend.
He said he had heard radio reports of some mountain passes in the province being temporarily closed but added Weather SA had not received any official notifications.
SAPS spokesman Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni said later yesterday that there was no blockage or closure of roads in the Whittlesea/Queenstown areas.
Snowfalls were also reported in mountains near Cradock, Barkly East, Elliot, the Winterberg mountains as well as in parts of the Free State, Lesotho and high lying areas near Ceres.
Automobile Association South Africa spokesman Layton Beard yesterday urged motorists to exercise extreme caution driving on snow covered roads as ice on top of the tarmac made conditions extremely dangerous.
He said motorists also needed to ensure they had plenty of petrol in their tanks so they could keep the engine running to power the heaters if they got stuck or delayed because of snow.
Beard also said keeping blankets and a flask of "something warm" in the car were also a good idea.
Overnight snow closes several mountain passes in EC
Although large parts of the province have experienced rain, icy weather and even snow over the past few days, Weather SA Eastern Cape spokesman Garth Sampson yesterday said conditions would clear and that it would "be sunny but cool" over the weekend.
He said he had heard radio reports of some mountain passes in the province being temporarily closed but added Weather SA had not received any official notifications.
SAPS spokesman Lieutenant Khaya Tonjeni said later yesterday that there was no blockage or closure of roads in the Whittlesea/Queenstown areas.
Snowfalls were also reported in mountains near Cradock, Barkly East, Elliot, the Winterberg mountains as well as in parts of the Free State, Lesotho and high lying areas near Ceres.
Automobile Association South Africa spokesman Layton Beard yesterday urged motorists to exercise extreme caution driving on snow covered roads as ice on top of the tarmac made conditions extremely dangerous.
He said motorists also needed to ensure they had plenty of petrol in their tanks so they could keep the engine running to power the heaters if they got stuck or delayed because of snow.
Beard also said keeping blankets and a flask of "something warm" in the car were also a good idea.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos