Eskom is investigating power outages affecting several parts of KwaZulu-Natal following heavy rain and snowfall that have disrupted communities across the province.
The power utility has dispatched technicians to Kokstad, Franklin, Nottingham Road and Underberg, where snow and heavy rainfall have affected electricity networks.
Eskom says its networks in Pietermaritzburg, Margate, Estcourt and Empangeni have also been impacted by the heavy rain.
Access to some areas was restricted on Monday night after adverse weather conditions resulted in the closure of several major roads, including the R617 and parts of the N3. The affected routes have since been reopened.
Eskom has urged residents to treat all electrical installations as live and to keep away from fallen power lines, damaged infrastructure and other potentially dangerous materials.
Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called on residents in affected areas to take the necessary precautions as severe winter weather continues.
Department spokesperson Pearl-Maseko Binqose has urged communities to take the warnings seriously and assist vulnerable people in their neighbourhoods.
“Members of the public are also urged to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through areas affected by heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Exercise extreme caution when driving and avoid roads that are closed, inaccessible or deemed unsafe,” Binqose said.
Residents have also been encouraged to follow official weather, road and emergency service advisories and comply with instructions issued by authorities.
More Severe Weather Expected
The South African Weather Service has warned that further disruptive weather is expected across parts of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
A Yellow Level 2 warning remains in place along the coast for damaging winds and waves.
Forecaster Wiseman Dlamini says the conditions could make navigation difficult and disrupt operations at small harbours and ports.
He has warned that small vessels could be at risk of taking on water and capsizing.
“We do expect those waves to be at least four to six metres, as well as strong winds with the wind gusts at least 40 knots (74km/h),” Dlamini said.
Meanwhile, south-western KwaZulu-Natal remains under a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive snowfall.
The weather service says the snowfall could result in isolated losses of vulnerable livestock and crops, while very cold and windy conditions are expected across parts of the province's interior.
Dlamini says snow and icy roads could lead to traffic disruptions and cause localised damage to settlements.
Areas expected to be affected include parts of the Drakensberg region, Kokstad, Msunduzi, Matatiele, Underberg, Giant's Castle, Royal Natal and possibly Bergville.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel as the province continues to experience severe winter weather.