South Africa weather: Snow and freezing temperatures cause power outages and road closures

South Africa weather snowfall power outages road closures cold front

A severe winter storm is impacting multiple provinces in South Africa, bringing heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds. The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape, specifically targeting municipalities such as Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini, and Matatiele.

In Johannesburg, the electricity grid is under significant strain. City Power has reported over 2,000 outages as residents increase their use of heaters, geysers, and stoves to combat the cold. Wet ground conditions are also complicating repair efforts for underground cable faults.

Travel has been heavily disrupted across the country. While some mountain passes in the Eastern Cape have begun to reopen as snowfall subsides, authorities warn that roads remain wet and slippery. In KwaZulu-Natal, the R617 between Underberg and Kokstad has closed, and the N3 highway remains a point of concern for travelers. The government has urged the public to exercise extreme caution and rely on official updates as weather conditions can change rapidly.

Entities

City Power · Eastern Cape · Free State · Johannesburg · KwaZulu-Natal · Road Traffic Inspectorate · South African Weather Service · William Baloyi

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate urged motorists to avoid unnecessary travel due to inclement weather. www.sabcnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] City Power reported more than 2,000 electricity outages in Johannesburg due to increased demand from heaters and stoves. scrolla.africa · www.sabcnews.com · www.enca.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Most mountain passes in the Eastern Cape have reopened as snowfall subsides, though roads remain wet and slippery. www.thesouthafrican.com
[DISPUTED] The South African Weather Service issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape. scrolla.africa · www.ghanamma.com · www.sapeople.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Deputy government spokesperson William Baloyi urged the public to remain vigilant as weather and road conditions can change rapidly. www.sabcnews.com · www.thesouthafrican.com
[● 2 SOURCES] A Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rain was issued for Mpumalanga. www.ghanamma.com · www.sapeople.com