KZN motorists urged to exercise extreme caution due to snowfall
KZN motorists urged to exercise extreme caution due to snowfall as persistent rain, snow and hazardous road conditions affect parts of southern KwaZulu-Natal, with authorities warning drivers to take extra care on key routes near Kokstad and the southern Drakensberg.
KwaZulu-Natal motorists travelling through areas affected by the latest weather conditions have been urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly on the R56 and N2 near Kokstad.
The warning comes as continuous rainfall and snowfall create difficult driving conditions in parts of the province. Authorities say several roads have been affected, with some routes closed while others are being closely monitored.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has called on motorists to avoid unnecessary risks and remain alert when travelling through affected areas.
KZN snowfall affects key roads
The latest KZN snowfall has brought challenging conditions to parts of the southern Drakensberg and surrounding areas.
According to CoGTA, motorists travelling between Underberg and Kokstad are particularly affected by the closure of the R617. Vehicles using this route are being diverted to the R56.
The situation has raised concerns about road safety as rainfall continues and patches of snow develop on some roads.
Authorities are urging drivers to reduce their speed, remain vigilant and take road conditions into account before beginning their journeys.
The combination of rain, snow and low temperatures can make roads significantly more dangerous, particularly in mountainous areas where visibility and road grip can change quickly.
KwaZulu-Natal road closures
One of the major developments is the closure of the R617 between Underberg and Kokstad.
CoGTA says motorists travelling between the two areas are being diverted to the R56.
The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) is monitoring the R56, while the N2 is also being watched closely because of the hazardous conditions.
Motorists who normally use the R617 are therefore advised to follow the diversion and pay attention to instructions from traffic officials.
The closure highlights the impact that severe winter weather can have on road networks in mountainous parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
R56 and N2 road conditions remain dangerous
The R56 and N2 road conditions are among the biggest concerns for authorities.
CoGTA has warned that the N2 on the KwaZulu-Natal side of Kokstad is dangerously slippery due to continuous rainfall and patches of snow.
The conditions are particularly concerning for motorists because wet roads already reduce tyre grip, while snow and sleet can make the surface even more difficult to navigate.
On the other side of Kokstad, snow has also been reported falling on the N2.
This has prompted authorities to maintain a close watch on the route as weather conditions continue to develop.
Motorists using the R56 and N2 should therefore drive cautiously and avoid speeding. Drivers should also maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for sudden changes in road conditions.
Where possible, motorists should also check road and weather updates before travelling.
Two fatalities reported in wet weather
The difficult weather conditions have also been linked to a serious road incident in the Howick area near Pietermaritzburg.
CoGTA spokesperson Siboniso Mngadi said the province recorded two fatalities on Monday morning after a vehicle allegedly lost control in wet weather.
The incident has added to concerns about road safety as rain continues across parts of the province.
Mngadi said disaster management teams had reported that several important roads were affected, with some closed and others being monitored by the RTI.
“The R617 between Underberg and Kokstad remains closed, while the R56 is being monitored and the N2 very closely by RTI teams,” Mngadi said.
The fatalities serve as a reminder of the risks associated with driving during adverse weather conditions.
Underberg snowfall surprises residents
While the snowfall has caused concern for motorists, residents in parts of the southern Drakensberg have welcomed the unusual weather event.
The latest Underberg snowfall has surprised residents who woke up to snow in their area on Monday morning.
Underberg is located close to the mountainous areas where winter snowfall is more common, including the nearby mountains of Lesotho. However, residents say the town itself does not always experience significant snowfall.
Instead, residents are more accustomed to the freezing temperatures associated with winter.
The latest snowfall therefore created excitement among locals, despite the difficult conditions it has created for motorists.
Resident describes early-morning snowfall
Local resident Mohale Matlakala described how the weather changed during the early hours of Monday morning.
According to Matlakala, he woke at around 4:15am and noticed sounds coming from outside.
He later observed the weather changing from drizzle to sleet at around 4:30am.
Matlakala said he put his hand outside and could feel the precipitation before realising that snow was beginning to fall.
The experience came after several days of rumours that snow was expected in the area.
For residents, the snowfall provided a rare winter spectacle, while authorities faced the more serious task of managing its impact on roads and motorists.
Kokstad weather conditions require caution
The Kokstad weather conditions have become a key concern because of the combination of rain and snow affecting roads in and around the town.
Motorists travelling through Kokstad and surrounding areas are being encouraged to stay informed about changing weather conditions.
The N2 is particularly concerning because of slippery surfaces caused by persistent rainfall and snow.
Drivers should not assume that a road is safe simply because there are no visible road closures. Conditions can deteriorate quickly when rain, sleet and snow continue.
The safest approach is to slow down, remain focused and follow instructions issued by traffic officials.
What motorists should do
Motorists travelling through affected areas should take several precautions while the adverse weather continues.
Drivers should:
- Reduce speed on wet, icy or snow-covered roads.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering movements.
- Follow official diversions where roads have been closed.
- Pay attention to RTI and traffic officials.
- Check weather and road updates before travelling.
- Avoid unnecessary journeys through severely affected areas.
- Ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off.
Motorists should also be particularly careful around bends, hills and areas where water, sleet or snow has accumulated.
YOU MAY LIKE:
Authorities continue monitoring the situation
CoGTA and disaster management teams are continuing to monitor affected roads as the weather conditions develop.
The R617 remains closed between Underberg and Kokstad, while the R56 and N2 are being monitored.
The situation could change depending on rainfall, snowfall and road conditions.
The warning from authorities comes as residents enjoy the rare snowfall but motorists face challenging conditions on some of KwaZulu-Natal’s major routes.
For now, drivers are urged to prioritise safety and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
The combination of KZN snowfall, continuous rain and slippery roads means that even familiar routes can become hazardous.
Motorists travelling around Underberg, Kokstad and the southern Drakensberg should therefore remain cautious, follow official instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
As authorities continue monitoring the affected roads, motorists are encouraged to stay updated and make informed decisions before travelling.
References
- SABC News – KZN motorists urged to exercise extreme caution due to snowfall
SABC News reported on 10 August 2026 that KwaZulu-Natal motorists were urged to exercise extreme caution on the R56 and N2 near Kokstad because of continuous rain and snowfall. SABC News: KZN motorists urged to exercise extreme caution due to snowfall - The Witness – R617 remains closed as heavy snow hits KZN
The Witness reported that the R617 remained closed amid heavy snowfall, with motorists travelling to or from Kokstad urged to avoid the affected route and use the R56 as an alternative. The Witness: R617 remains closed as heavy snow hits KZN
Support Independent Journalism with eKayNews! 📰✨
At eKayNews, we are dedicated to bringing you honest, independent, and reliable news. But we can’t do it alone—independent journalism relies on the strength and generosity of its community.
If you value our work, please consider supporting us today! You can help keep us going by choosing a subscription or simply buying us a one-off virtual coffee:
👉 Support us here: ekaynews.co.za/subscribe-form/
You can also support our mission by visiting our main site at www.ekaynews.co.za and following @eKayNews on all social media platforms.
Thank you so much for your incredible generosity and for being part of our journey! 🙏💙
