Brrrr! Warning issued for disruptive snow in the Eastern Cape

Snow has already been spotted in parts of the Eastern Cape. Residents in Barkley East have shared pictures and videos of the winter wonder.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow level 2 warning for disruptive snow over the Southern Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape. 

The warning is valid from Thursday, 29 June. 

DISRUPTIVE SNOW IN THE EASTERN CAPE

The weather service said areas of potential impacts include Molteno, Barkley East, Lady Grey and Matatitele and there could be isolated loss of livestock in this northern region. 

SAWS had warned that some road network and mountain passes connecting communities on the southern Drakensberg in the Eastern Cape could be closed on Thursday, following the potential disruptive snow on the roads and railways, especially during the morning hours. 

ALSO READ: Possible snowfall: Very cold, windy weather expected in two provinces

VERY COLD WEATHER IN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY

SAWS said their counterparts in Lesotho also issued a forecast for bitterly cold temperatures with heavy snowfall over Lesotho and these conditions may spill over to QwaQwa in the north-eastern Free State. 

“These conditions are expected to result from the passage of a cut-off low (COL) which is currently situated along the west coast of the country. Very cold temperatures have already set in on the western regions of the Free State and North West provinces.” 

POSSIBLE IMPACT

Very cold conditions could claim livestock in places over the western region of the Northern and Western Cape provinces.

Moreover, bursts of showers and excessive lightning may result in localised damage of infrastructure and settlements but some isolated thunderstorms could produce strong, damaging winds over the stated regions. 

Swells may reach 6.5 metres offshore of the south coast of the Eastern Cape and those entering the harbour may cause a lot of boat movements, which can damage some vessels and break mooring lines.

ALSO READ: Seven snowy locations to see snow in SA this winter

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