While the town of Underberg has remained free of snow, heavy snowfall has been reported in parts of the southern Drakensberg and the Eastern Cape, prompting authorities to monitor road conditions closely and urge motorists to exercise caution.
Snow has fallen in the upper reaches of Sani Pass, although conditions have not yet been severe enough to close the border crossing.
Chairperson of the Southern Drakensberg Community Tourism Organisation, Michelle Stevens, said Underberg is currently experiencing cold, overcast weather with light drizzle, but no snowfall.
She said the only snow reported so far is at the top of Sani Pass, with the border post remaining open. However, Bushman's Nek border crossing, which is primarily used by hikers, has been closed.
Stevens said local communities and tourism establishments have been preparing for the cold weather by stocking up on firewood and gas supplies. She added that Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers and local traffic officials have increased their presence on the roads to monitor conditions.
She reassured residents and visitors that there is currently no cause for alarm, as conditions in the lower-lying areas remain clear.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said RTI teams have been monitoring key routes since Tuesday night, with graders on standby to clear snow before it accumulates to dangerous levels.
He said the N3 at Van Reenen's Pass, between Harrismith and Ladysmith, is being closely monitored and roads will be closed if necessary to prevent motorists from becoming stranded.
Meanwhile, severe snowfall has affected several routes in the Eastern Cape.
Provincial transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said heavy snow has been reported on the R58 between Lady Grey and Ekhepini, as well as on the R56 between Matatiele and Mount Fletcher.
Binqose said road maintenance crews and traffic law enforcement officers remain on high alert as winter weather continues to impact parts of the province.
Although no crashes had been reported, he warned that road surfaces remain wet and extremely slippery. Motorists have been urged to postpone non-essential travel where possible until weather conditions improve.