Live Updates | Wild weather sweeps South Africa as snow and storms cause disruption

Heavy traffic, roadworks, and snowfall are expected to impact the N3 Toll Route during the Women’s Day long weekend, prompting warnings to drivers planning journeys along the corridor. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued forecasts predicting snow over parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and Mpumalanga starting from Sunday. These conditions, combined with increased traffic and ongoing infrastructure projects, are likely to cause delays and pose challenges for motorists traveling between major cities such as Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, and Durban. Traffic on the N3 Toll Route, which spans 415 kilometers from Heidelberg in Gauteng to Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal, is anticipated to rise significantly from midday on Friday as holiday travelers set off toward popular destinations in the region. The heaviest congestion is expected during the return trip on Monday afternoon, as commuters and tourists attempt to navigate back home amid worsening weather conditions. Ongoing roadworks between key segments, Heidelberg and Villiers, Warden and Harrismith, and Estcourt and Nottingham Road, are contributing to potential bottlenecks. While lane closures will persist throughout the long weekend, at least one lane in each direction will remain accessible at all times. Efforts have been made to schedule these closures during non-peak hours to minimize disruption, though delays are still expected. Thania Dhoogra, chief operating officer of the N3 Toll Concession (N3TC), emphasized the need for drivers to plan ahead and adapt to fluctuating conditions. “Road users are advised to plan ahead, be prepared, stay informed, and adjust their driving style to the prevailing conditions,” she stated. Her comments follow SAWS predictions of a cold front moving into the Western and Northern Cape on Sunday, followed by its eastward progression into the interior regions by Monday. Snowfall is forecasted to affect mountainous areas in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and Mpumalanga, with accompanying rain, strong winds, and icy conditions potentially creating hazardous travel scenarios. SAWS has cautioned that the weather system could lead to localized flooding, fallen trees, power outages, and reduced visibility due to fog or smoke from wildfires. Very low temperatures are also expected, with snow-covered mountain passes possibly leading to road closures and transport disruptions. Despite initial forecasts of clear skies and milder temperatures for the beginning of the long weekend, Dhoogra noted that weather conditions along the N3 could shift quickly. Drivers traversing higher elevations of the route are being urged to remain vigilant for abrupt temperature changes, black ice, thick fog, rainfall, and potential snowfall. Strong winds and wildfires in surrounding areas may further complicate travel by reducing visibility and generating unpredictable crosswinds, especially for larger vehicles such as trucks, buses, and cars pulling trailers or caravans. To manage these challenges, N3TC has deployed its route operations teams and Road Incident Management System (RIMS) partners at critical locations along the 415-kilometer toll route. These personnel aim to provide support to drivers wherever needed during the long weekend. Dhoogra encouraged travelers to prioritize safety, showing consideration for other road users and ensuring that each journey contributes positively to overall road safety. Travelers are advised to consult the latest SAWS forecasts and verified N3 traffic updates prior to departure, particularly if passing through mountainous regions where snow and icy conditions might emerge. Verified traffic information is available via the official Twitter account @N3Route, and motorists needing urgent assistance can reach the N3 Helpline at 0800 63 43 57.