KZN to be snowed under as big chill hits

THE big freeze is expected this weekend, with sleet and snow, heavy rain and stormy seas forecast for KwaZulu-Natal, and snowdrifts possibly closing Van Reenen’s Pass on the N3 on Monday.

Yesterday the SA Weather Service issued a severe storm warning as the cold front moves up from the Cape, with heavy snowfalls expected on the Drakensberg and possible light to moderate snow over the KZN Midlands.

According to the SA Weather Service, “widespread and persistent snowfall on Sunday can be anticipated for the mountains of KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho and the Eastern Cape, with snowdrifts expected to become progressively deeper and more disruptive”.

Heavy rain is also forecast, “with a strong onshore flow along the KZN coast and adjacent interior, with localised flooding possible”.

Last night, the KZN Weather Service’s Aslam Sardiwallah said temperatures would plunge over the weekend, with an expected 9 to14ºC in Durban tomorrow.

Van Reenen’s pass on the N3 is expected to be particularly dangerous in terms of heavy snow and sleet, and the N3 Toll Concession has strongly advised motorists to avoid travelling to the area.

Although many will want to see the snow, the AA has warned against driving to snow-affected areas.

Snow should start falling in the areas of Sani Pass, Giant’s Castle, Champagne Castle, Royal Natal National Park and Phuthaditjaba on Saturday night, peaking on Sunday night.

The SA Weather alert said: “Due to the extreme and persistent nature of this event, the general public is strongly urged not to venture into snow areas.”

The National Sea Rescue Institute has also urged “extreme caution” around the coastline, saying there would be dangerous sea conditions over the next few days.

But will the colder waters tempt the sardines to move up the coast?

Yesterday, the Sharks Board’s Mike Anderson-Reade said there had been no sightings of the sardines this week.

“I suspect we are not going to see a run this year, which is disappointing,” he said.