PROJECT: URGENT WEATHER ALERT - HEAVY SNOWFALL EXPECTED ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA THIS WEEKEND (8-9 JUNE 2025)

isabels39
Jun 6
6 min read

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South Africans are being urged to prepare for a powerful and potentially disruptive winter storm

as a major cold front sweeps across the country this coming weekend, 8 - 9 June 2025.

According to current forecasts, heavy snowfall is expected in a number of provinces,

with possible accumulation in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal,

North West Province, Mpumalanga, and potentially even parts of Gauteng and the mountainous regions of Lesotho.

While weather patterns may still shift slightly, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has flagged this event as serious and potentially hazardous, with widespread snow likely to impact travel, infrastructure, farming, and vulnerable communities.

Last year’s early snowfall, on 20–21 September 2024, caught many motorists off guard.
Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the N3 between Johannesburg and Durban, with some trapped for over 24 hours and one person tragically dying of hypothermia. (watchers.newsapnews.com).
This weekend presents a serious risk for those travelling through elevated terrain.
Early preparation, such as carrying warm clothing, emergency supplies, and checking for SAWS alerts, is essential.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EARLY SNOW INCIDENTS IN SEPTEMBER 2024:

MAJOR DISRUPTION ON THE N3 HIGHWAY:
- A severe snowstorm on 20–21 September 2024 brought heavy snowfall to elevated areas like the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, notably affecting the N3 highway between Harrismith and the Mooi River.
- Approximately 1 823 vehicles were stranded—cars, buses, and trucks—on Van Reenen’s Pass and surrounding areas for over 24 hours (news24.comdailymaverick.co.za).
HUMAN IMPACT AND TRAGIC OUTCOMES:
- The storm claimed at least two lives due to hypothermia: a 39-year-old minibus passenger and another individual stranded overnight (newindianexpress.comhalifax.citynews.cathesouthafrican.com).
- One later reported case involved one woman’s death, emphasising the lethal risk posed by extreme conditions and inadequate preparedness (thesouthafrican.comcitizen.co.za).
EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND LOGISTICS BREAKDOWN:
- Emergency services—RUSA, SAPS, SANDF, Disaster Management—mobilised 4x4 units, helicopters, food supply points, and blankets (news24.comwitness.co.zacentralnews.co.zadfa.co.za).
- Despite efforts, motorists described the situation as a nightmare; warnings urged travellers to delay non-essential travel and remain in their vehicles until help arrived (dailymaverick.co.zadfa.co.za).
LESSONS LEARNED AND INCREASED PREPAREDNESS:
- The incident highlighted inadequate monitoring and slow dissemination of warnings—many felt ill-informed and unprepared (ewn.co.zadfa.co.za).
- Authorities reinforced the importance of daylight travel only, avoiding snow-affected routes, and being fully prepared with warm clothing, food, and fuel (news24.comgauteng.newscitizen.co.za).

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH REGARDS TO THE WEATHER WARNING FOR 8 - 9 JUNE 2025:

Significant snowfall in many high-lying areas.
Extremely cold temperatures.
Disruptions to road travel due to ice and snow.
Potential isolation of rural communities.
Increased risk to livestock and vulnerable individuals.

KEY SAFETY MEASURES:

STAY INFORMED:
- Monitor official updates from SAWS and trusted news outlets.
- Snow patterns may change quickly.
AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL:
- If you live in or plan to travel through high-risk areas, postpone non-essential trips.
- Many fatalities during last year’s snowfall occurred because motorists became stranded on snow-blocked roads for extended periods without help.

IF YOU GET STRANDED IN YOUR CAR – DO THIS TO STAY ALIVE:

STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE:
- Do NOT attempt to walk for help unless you can clearly see assistance nearby.
KEEP THE EXHAUST PIPE CLEAR:
- Regularly check that snow has not blocked it.
- A blocked exhaust can cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter the cabin.
RUN THE ENGINE FOR HEAT IN SHORT BURSTS (10 –15 MINUTES EVERY HOUR):
- Conserve fuel and ventilate.
OPEN A WINDOW SLIGHTLY:
- This prevents carbon monoxide buildup.
KEEP WARM:
- Use blankets, extra clothes, and body heat.
- Huddle with passengers if possible.
MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE:
- Use hazard lights when running the engine.
- Hang something bright out the window or tie it to your antenna.
RATION FOOD AND WATER:
- Eat sparingly and avoid getting dehydrated.
CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES (IF THERE IS SIGNAL):
- Share your location, number of passengers, and medical needs.
DO NOT FALL ASLEEP WITH THE CAR RUNNING.

PACK A SNOW SURVIVAL KIT IN YOUR CAR:

Blankets and sleeping bags.
Non-perishable snacks and bottled water.
A power bank or car phone charger.
Torch and batteries.
First-aid kit.
Reflective triangle or flares.
Gloves, beanies, and thermal socks.

GENERAL DRIVING SAFETY TIPS:

Slow down and drive cautiously.
Increase the following distance.
Avoid sudden movements.
Use headlights, even in daylight.
Check tyre tread and pressure.
Avoid flooded roads and never ignore barricades.
Have an emergency car kit ready at all times.

STAY WARM AT HOME:

Dress in layers and insulate living spaces.
Use SABS-approved heaters with caution.
Ensure ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Never leave heaters or fires unattended.

CHECK ON THE VULNERABLE:

Make a special effort to assist elderly people, the ill, children, and those living alone or without heating.
A simple call or knock could save a life.

PROTECTING ANIMALS AND LIVESTOCK:

For farmers and animal owners, this snow event poses major risks to livestock, especially in exposed areas. Take proactive steps now:

PROVIDE PROPER SHELTER:
- Build or reinforce shelters against wind and snow.
- Use temporary windbreaks like hay bales or corrugated metal sheets.
WARM, DRY BEDDING:
- Use straw, sawdust, or sand to insulate animals from the cold ground.
- Replace bedding regularly.
EXTRA FEED AND WATER:
- Provide high-energy roughage, especially in the evenings.
- Ensure access to clean, unfrozen water.
MONITOR ANIMAL HEALTH:
- Watch for shivering, weakness, or withdrawal.
- Dry wet animals quickly.
- Separate young, sick, or vulnerable animals and provide extra insulation.
AVOID MUD AND WET AREAS:
- Keep animals away from muddy kraals, which increase heat loss.

The approaching snowstorm may blanket parts of the country in rare beauty, but the dangers are very real.

Lives were lost last year due to people being unprepared in their vehicles.

Let us learn from the past, take this alert seriously, and prepare wisely.

Please share this message widely, check in on your neighbours, and help protect both human and animal life.

Stay safe, stay warm, and look out for one another, South Africa.

We weather this better together.

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