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'It is a nightmare' - Motorists tell of hellish 14 hours stuck in bitter cold, but progress made clearing roads

The Windmills in Nottingham Road in KZN. (Photo: Snow Report SA / Facebook)

21 Sep 2024

Some motorists have now been stuck in the snow on the N3 for more than 14 hours. They described surviving the night and the nightmarish cold as they got stuck on the N3 yesterday. Meanwhile, the snow warning given by the South African Weather Service on Friday has now been upgraded to a Level 8 warning. Rescue workers were dispatched to the N3 Toll Route along Van Reenen Pass on Saturday morning after it was closed entirely between Estcourt and Harrismith due to heavy snowfall, icy conditions, and poor visibility. Traffic authorities said that motorists are urged to avoid travel in KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, and surrounding regions as dangerous conditions persist. Several trucks and vehicles are stuck on the road, and backlogs run for kilometers.

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6 pm update:

Authorities say progress made in clearing roads

At 6 pm on Saturday, travellers were still urged to cancel their plans as Thania Dhoogra, Operations manager at the N3 Toll Concession said they were making slow progress in clearing the N3 and it remained closed.

“I'm happy to say that there is progress being made, unfortunately, it is rather slow-moving progress, given that the dangerous driving conditions are still continuing and the severe weather is still affecting large parts of the N3 toll route, so unfortunately the status quo is remaining that the N3 is closed.

She thanked everyone for coming to help with reaching stranded road users and clearing the roadway as quickly but as safely as possible."

Severe weather conditions have brought heavy snowfall across parts of Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

This is according to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Travellers were still advised to cancel their trips on Saturday evening.

“Motorists are advised to cancel their trips until conditions improve. Those who are trapped in the snow: remain in your vehicle, signal for help, and wait for assistance from disaster management authorities and police who are already on the ground. Emergency services, including paramedics and other necessary personnel have already been deployed,” read the statement.

The N3 Toll Route remains closed between Estcourt and Harrismith. No deaths or injuries have been reported so far.

Progress with rescue and recovery operations

Disaster management teams are making gradual progress with rescue and recovery operations — with snowfalls having eased slightly, graders are now slowly approaching the top of Van Reenen's Pass. This is according to Arrive Alive.

“They are being followed by emergency services and humanitarian relief workers who will provide much needed assistance to stranded road users.

However, road users are warned that conditions along the N3 Toll Route remain treacherous despite the current break in the incessant snowfalls.

Visibility along the route is poor as cold and wet weather conditions continue. The risk remains high for more snowfalls and the formation of black ice as temperatures drop into the night.

Therefore, please continue to delay all travel to the region until advised by authorities that it is deemed safe to do so,” read the statement.

Snow in Memel. 21 September 2024. (Photo: SEVERE WEATHER AND INFORMATION CENTRE SA)

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3pm update:

“It is a nightmare, we have been sitting here for 14 hours already,” Kenon Andhee said. He has been stuck in traffic since last night in bitterly cold temperatures.

Andhee is one of many who were left stranded following heavy snowfall that resulted in the N3 freeway being closed in both directions between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State.

“I am in Harrismith, not far from the highway junction, actually sitting on top of the bridge. We are all just standing here. We can't move. There's a Free State police officer that has blocked the road in front, obviously, to make sure that we are safe. It’s packed. Everybody is driving on all lanes of the road going down towards Durban, so all the traffic is all going in one direction,” he said.

Andhee said there were five people in his car, and they had some resources with them to stay warm.

“We are able to put the heat on. We've got chargers, we've got food, we've got a couple of things to keep us going for as long as possible,” he said.

“Sanral says the road is closed and they are making an effort to try and clear up some of the roads. But other than that, I don't actually know what's going on,” he said.

“It is a little bit frustrating. Our holidays are cut short because we've lost out on a day already. We started our journey last night, six o'clock and we were expected to be at our destination at about three, but unfortunately, that's not the case”.

Andhee was traveling towards Richards Bay.

“I hope it gets resolved shortly but it doesn't look like it will at the moment,” he said.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) convened a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting this morning, where District Disaster Management Centres provided updates on relief efforts following the disruptive snowstorm that affected the interior parts of the province yesterday.

The snowstorm has blocked major routes, including the R74 (Harrismith to Bergville), R74 Greytown/Colenso Road, N3 (Harrismith to Tugela Toll), R617 (Kokstad to Underberg), and N3 Northbound, among others.

The Level 6 snow warning for parts of KwaZulu-Natal has been upgraded to Level 8, according to the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

“Residents are urged to stay off the roads and avoid using alternative routes, as inclement weather conditions are expected to worsen. According to the South African Weather Service, a Level 8 warning for further disruptive snow is in effect for Alfred Duma Ladysmith, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma - Underberg, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Inkosi Langalibalele Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele Sobabili, Mpofana Giants Castle, Mpofana Mooi River, Okhahlamba and uMngeni. This warning indicates a potentially life-threatening weather occurrence,” according to the statement

The significant snowfall has resulted in fallen trees, making the situation even more challenging. Residents near the N3 who are able to help stranded motorists with supplies are urged to do so safely, the provincial government added.

The intense snow has interrupted essential services, including water and electricity, in multiple communities. Technical teams are working diligently to restore these services as quickly as they can, but residents should be prepared for possible delays due to the weather conditions.

“Residents are strongly advised against snow chasing, as road conditions are extremely dangerous. Communities in the northern parts of the province continue to experience heavy rains, raising concerns about localised flooding. Disaster management teams are providing support to these areas, and residents are warned to remain vigilant”.

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, and her deputy, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, have advised road users travelling between Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to delay their trips because of the severe weather conditions.

Rescue operations underway

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), said multi-disciplinary rescue operations are underway to clear thick snow, reach stranded road users, and restore mobility as soon as it is safe to do so.

“These extremely difficult operations are being complicated by current route and weather conditions. As severe weather and dangerous driving conditions continue to impact the movement of traffic between KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, several humanitarian organisations are assisting with emergency provisions for stranded road users. The areas most affected currently extend from Lions River to Warden with the road from Estcourt to Harrismith, including Van Reenen’s Pass, being totally closed to traffic. In addition, the Tugela- and Wilge Toll Plazas also remain closed for the safety of road users and responding emergency services.

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Road users can support disaster management teams by remaining vigilant, patient, and compliant. SANRAL and N3TC appreciate your continued cooperation under very difficult conditions,” said Vusi Mona, Sanral General Manager for Communications and Marketing.

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have been deployed to provide help and food to road users who have been stranded on the N3 between Estcourt and Mooi River since Friday. KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said that among the stranded motorists are police officers, who, despite being in the same situation as the rest, are providing security services to fellow commuters.

“The management of police in KwaZulu-Natal have mobilised business partners who have already started preparing food and clothing for those who are stuck in the freezing snow,” he said.

“Despite unfavourable flying conditions, police, working with other rescue and humanitarian entities, are braving the conditions to preserve life and deliver much-needed basic services”.

KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma made his way to the N3 Toll Route earlier today. The department has deployed a team of officers from the Road Traffic Inspectorate to assist motorists.

"We are encouraged by the hard work and the partnership between private and public emergency rescue services, who are assisting stranded motorists on various routes affected by the snow," Duma said.

He added that he was en route to the N3 to strengthen coordination between the intervention teams from the Pietermaritzburg and Ladysmith regions.

The mayor of the uMngeni Local Municipality, Chris Pappas, and non-profit organisation, Love Howick, have set up a disaster centre at the Howick Sports Club in Market Street where hot meals and drinks will be served. The centre will also provide temporary shelter and blankets.Teams will also start assisting those who cannot get out of their vehicles on the N3 highway.

"Any person stuck in the Midlands area who can get to the centre will be assisted,” said Pappas.

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Teams from humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, are in communication with various pilots, tow-truck companies and people within its network in the snow-covered regions of KwaZulu-Natal to find out what assistance can be rendered.

"Currently, helicopters can't fly, tow-trucks can't move, and the N3 and alternative routes are gridlocked and blocked by substantial snowfalls," Gift of the Givers founder, Imtiaz Sooliman said.

He said that graders are currently the only practical solution while waiting for the snow to melt.

"Motorists and their families have been calling for assistance. People are running out of food and water and require blankets in the severe cold. The concern is for those who may require evacuation due to medically related conditions," said Sooliman.

He said their vehicles have been "loaded with relevant supplies" and requested that selected garages and business houses provide hot drinks and snacks to motorists, their families, and truck drivers who need assistance.

"We have prepared meals and drinks for those passing by at a community hall in Estcourt," said Sooliman.

The relief centre will be offering hot meals, including vegetarian options, to those stranded on the highway. They are also providing supplies like blankets, biscuits, and drinks.

Sooliman advised turning back to reduce congestion and emphasised the importance of helping those with medical conditions, as delays could be life-threatening.

“Those at the end of the queue. I think it's better just to turn around and go back. It's going to take a long time, and you're going to wait a long time. The less congestion there is, the more cars will get out of the way, the easier it will be for the road traffic inspector to get to those who are stuck,” he said.

“I received a call from someone who said their brother is an insulin dependent diabetic. The network is down. They don't have food in the car. They're not sure of their status. So there may be other people's medical conditions. The more people get off the road, the greater chance of health services getting to the people once the road opens, because ambulances and helicopters opters may be the only way”.

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12 noon update:

Following heavy snowfalls authorities access routes into KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng have become dangerous and were closed down by authorities.

By Saturday morning, heavy snowfall was impacting the N3 Toll Route along Van Reenen Pass, leading to a total road closure between Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal and Harrismith in the Free State. Icy conditions, wet weather, and poor visibility were causing dangerous driving conditions not only on the N3 but also affecting travel from KwaZulu-Natal through the Free State and into the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

“Icy conditions, wet weather, and poor visibility are also being reported along other sections of the route, causing dangerous driving conditions from KwaZulu-Natal through the Free State, the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Please avoid all travel,” was the message that went out from traffic authorities early on Saturday morning.

“Disaster management teams were also working around the clock to reach crash scenes, emergency incidents, and stranded road users,” the traffic alert continued.

Van Reenen’s Pass, 21 September. (Photo: Hurbey Geldenhuys)

Van Reenen’s Pass 21 September. (Photo: Hurbey Geldenhuys)

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 6 warning for disruptive snowfall for the extreme south-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal today, with concerns about the potential loss of livestock and crops.

Additionally, a level 2 alert has been issued for the western region of the province. There is also a warning in place for disruptive rainfall, which could lead to localized flooding in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Amukelani Mkhari from SAWS said the adverse weather conditions would continue today.

“We are still expecting some isolated to scattered showers and rainfall, mostly over the eastern half of the country, and the freezing levels have dropped quite significantly meaning we are still expecting snowfall over the high lying areas of KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and Eastern Cape,” she said.

Van Reenen’s Pass 21 September. (Photo: Hurbey Geldenhuys)

The snow is 1m deep at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge in the Northern Drakensberg this morning, which is why the route between the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal is in chaos this morning. (Photo: Snow Report SA / Facebook)

Van Reenens Pass is closed. People had to sleep in their cars. (Photo: Snow Report SA / Facebook)

The Windmills in Nottingham Road in the KZN. (Photo: Snow Report SA / Facebook)

Mkhari said the intense cold front, which has already moved out of the country, was the cause for the adverse conditions.

“Behind the cold front, we had a surface high pressure with a longer fetch. Basically it was taking all the cold maritime air from the southern part and bringing all that cold air into our country. We also had a cut off flow which developed over the western parts of the country, which also moved over to the eastern parts, which also contributes in decreasing the freezing levels over the eastern parts of the country,” she said.

She said the weather should start clearing by late Saturday afternoon.

“Today, we will be expecting quite very, very low, very cold temperatures,” she said but added that warmer weather was expected from tomorrow.

Dangerous conditions including black ice

The bad weather coincided with many people trying to get to long weekend destinations like KwaZulu-Natal increasing traffic on the roads.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral), issued an advisory that its N3 Toll Concession has closed the N3 at the Van Reenen’s Pass because of dangerous conditions including black ice.

“The snowfall and sudden drop in temperature are causing black ice to form, making the roads at Van Reenens slippery, and there have been reports of trucks losing traction, especially on the uphill sections.KwaZulu-Natal residents warned of severe weather conditions. People who intend travelling are advised to delay or cancel their travel plans”.

Sanral also issued a traffic alert has been issued warning motorists to avoid Harrismith in the Free State and Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Snowfalls and "icy conditions" continue to disrupt traffic along the N3 Toll Route and most other regional roads. Additionally, routes such as the N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi River were under close observation to monitor driving conditions.

"Numerous reports are being received of road users still trying to make their way via alternative routes despite passage on most roads now being either unpassable or highly treacherous. Please adhere to appeals to suspend travel to the affected regions,” the traffic alert said.

KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs said disaster Management teams are actively monitoring conditions across the province as heavy snowfall and rain continue to affect various areas

“Residents planning to travel on these roads are strongly advised to postpone their journeys due to the current hazardous conditions. For those already on the road, please exercise extreme caution and avoid speeding, as roads have become dangerously slippery. Efforts are being made by disaster management teams to reach stranded motorists and provide necessary assistance,” a statement from the department continued.

The KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management Centre said it was coordinating multi-sectoral interventions to provide relief and facilitate the clearing of roads where necessary. The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist through Saturday.

Heavy snow and hazardous driving conditions

Arrive Alive issued a notice that several sections of the N3 around the Midlands have been closed due to heavy snow and hazardous driving conditions.

“The weather is extremely severe, and it is currently unsafe to travel. Additionally, snow has also been reported in Ladysmith, Dundee, and surrounding areas, where road conditions are similarly dangerous. Avoid all travel today. For your safety, please remain at home. Despite the excitement of the snowfall, traveling is strongly discouraged,” their notice read.

“Rescue workers are actively responding to emergencies, including efforts to assist those stranded overnight, and they are working tirelessly to locate and assist a cardiac emergency patient and children stranded in a bus. Please do not add to their burden by putting yourself at risk.

“For your safety, and that of the rescue teams, we urge you to cancel any travel arrangements. The road conditions are extremely dangerous, and we ask everyone to prioritize safety above all else,” the Arrive Alive notice continued.

Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa ) has dispatched a team of paramedics and reaction officers in 4x4 rescue vehicles to assist motorists stranded on the N3 in Harrismith in the Free State.

The Rusa operations centre said that since 04:00 it has been inundated with calls from stranded motorists requesting assistance.

"The callers reported that the elderly and children were without water, food and medication for approximately 12 hours in freezing temperatures," said Rusa.

The calls were received from Van Reenen's Pass and Harrismith, about 340km from the Rusa headquarters. Due to the heavy snowfall, fog, rain an poor visibility along the route, its R44 helicopter could not fly out and has been grounded.

The Road Freight Association (RFA) has received numerous calls from the public about the situation on the roads due to the heavy snowfall.

Many of the major routes in KwaZulu Natal, especially the N3 and N11, have already been closed off.

RFA chief executive officer Gavin Kelly said it was impossible to move through sections of the routes that have seen up to two metres of snowfall.

"Whilst the RFA focuses on commercial road freight, it is concerned about the general public either being unaware of the conditions or presuming that it is easy to travel through the snow. It is not.

"This can be a life-threatening event if no preparation has been done, and there is no emergency protocol in place," Kelly said.

Ports of entry also closed

On Saturday morning, the country also closed several ports of entry due to roads affected by snow, Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), Dr Michael Masiapato, said.

“Given the situation, the BMA and stakeholders operating at the port, have taken a decision to close Sani Pass, Boesmansnek and Monontsha ports of entry for operations today until further notice. This precaution is taken to ensure the safety of travelers, tourists and officials, as the current conditions pose a significant danger. Travellers are advised that Ficksburg port, Caledonspoort, Makhaleng as well as Maseru Ports of entry can be used as alternatives to enter Lesotho,” the BMA statement continued.

These are some safety tips for motorists stuck on the roads:

Stay in your vehicle: If you are stranded, it is safer to stay inside your vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance, unless help is visible within 100 metres.

Signal for help: Display a brightly coloured cloth (preferably red) on your radio antenna or hang it out of the window to signal for help.

Raise the hood after the snow stops falling.

Run the engine sparingly: Run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to stay warm. Ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Conserve fuel: Use your vehicle’s heater sparingly to conserve fuel. Keep a window slightly open to allow fresh air in.

Stay visible: Keep the dim light on at night when running the engine. This uses a small amount of electricity and helps rescuers see you.

Stay warm: Use blankets, extra clothing, or anything available to stay warm. Move your arms and legs occasionally to maintain circulation.

Stay hydrated: Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, but avoid alcohol as it lowers body temperature. DM

This is a developing story and will be updated.

Readers with photos or stories can email [email protected] or [email protected]

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