Government continues to monitor areas experiencing adverse weather conditions due to wet, very cold and windy conditions expected over the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
“Government will continue to closely monitor the weather system and its impacts across the country and will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect communities and road users,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement.
The response measures are being coordinated through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), provincial and local disaster management structures, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders.
“Authorities are assessing road conditions, managing closures where necessary and working to keep affected routes safe and accessible where conditions permit.
“Government further appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and emergency officials. Road closures are implemented to protect lives, and motorists should not attempt to bypass barriers or access roads that have been declared unsafe,” the GCIS said in a statement.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for disruptive snow, disruptive rain and damaging winds in parts of the country on Tuesday.
“Members of the public are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are currently open may subsequently be closed if conditions deteriorate, while previously closed routes may be reopened once they have been assessed and cleared by the relevant authorities.
“The public is urged to rely on official updates from the South African Weather Service, provincial traffic authorities, road agencies, disaster management structures and emergency services for the latest information,” the GCIS said.
Government urges the public to take the following precautions:
- Avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected by heavy snowfall, ice, strong winds, flooding or other hazardous weather conditions.
- Do not attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities.
- Motorists travelling on roads that remain open should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution, particularly on mountain passes.
- Follow the instructions and guidance of traffic officials, emergency services and disaster management authorities.
- Check the latest weather and road conditions from verified sources before undertaking long-distance journeys.
- Where possible, postpone travel until conditions have improved and affected routes have been assessed and declared safe.
- Avoid sharing unverified information about road closures and weather conditions, as this may cause confusion and place motorists and communities at greater risk.
- Take precautions to protect children, older people and other vulnerable people from extreme cold.
- Farmers and livestock owners are encouraged to ensure that livestock and other animals are kept in safe, warm and adequately sheltered areas during periods of severe cold and snowfall.
-SAnews.gov.za
