KZN deploys graders and secures shelter as cut-off low brings snow and flood risk

KwaZulu‑Natal (KZN) has mobilised transport and human settlement teams to respond to a cut‑off low-pressure system that the province says could bring heavy snowfall and possible flooding. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said graders have been deployed and emergency shelter has been secured as authorities prepare to protect communities and road networks.

Immediate measures: graders and shelters

According to the provincial department, graders will remove snow before it can accumulate to above 30 cm on the road network. The department has also made more than 170 rooms at Montclair Lodge available to accommodate families who may be left destitute by flooding.

Coordination across road networks

Duma said teams from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) will operate in known snow‑prone areas and coordinate possible road closures to prevent motorists from becoming stranded. The announcement names N3, around Ladysmith, Kokstad, Underberg, Harding, Newcastle, N11, Pietermaritzburg and N2 as areas where RTI teams will be active.

Freight and traffic planning

The provincial road freight directorate will engage with stakeholders in the freight and logistics sector to coordinate truck movements and prevent congestion on road networks while aiming to avoid disruption to supply chains.

Official statement

“We have just received an updated weather report from the South African Weather Services. Accordingly, we have engaged with heads of both the Department of Transport and Human Settlements to ensure that our teams respond with agility to predicted severe weather patterns triggered by a cut-off low-pressure system,”

“In particular, as per our standard snowfall response plan, graders, working with Road Traffic Inspectorate Teams, will remove the snow before it could accumulate to above 30 cm on our road networks,” Duma said.

Advice to motorists

Motorists have been advised to exercise caution, reduce speed, and maintain safe following distances on wet and slippery roads.

Preparedness for flooding

On the risk of floods, the department said team Human Settlements, working with eThekwini Municipality, has secured the Montclair Lodge rooms to accommodate affected families.