Army deployed to snow affected KZN

Government says the army will be deployed to assist with relief efforts in KwaZulu-Natal amid the South African Weather Service issuing a level eight disruptive snow warning for the south western areas of the province from about Ladysmith to Giants Castle in the midlands.

The areas affected skirt the Drakensberg mountains.

Areas in the Eastern Cape adjacent to Lesotho have level six warnings. Commuters travelling on the N3 became trapped on the highway after heavy snowfalls last night.

Relief and rescue efforts are currently under way.

Forecaster, Luthando Masimini says the weather could clear up by tomorrow.

“We are expecting this system to exit the country through the south east coast late today. By the evening the system should be out and we will start seeing some clearance to the west with tomorrow only expected 30% chance of rain and showers over the eastern parts areas including the south eastern part of the Eastern Cape, the whole of KZN still, by 30% by tomorrow.”

People who need emergency assistance can contact the 24-hour N3 Helpline on 0800-63 43 57.