The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe thunderstorms and snow along the Eastern Cape Escarpment from Monday to Tuesday.

“Snow is expected over high ground from a high pressure system moving in from the far south of the country with a south to southeast wind bringing cold to very cold and wet conditions across the province over Chris Hani and Joe . Ggabi district municipalities; and Dr Beyers Naude, Blue Crane Route, Matatiele, Umzimvubu, Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipalities,” the weather service said.

These conditions will result in difficult and dangerous driving conditions.

Motorists can expect disruption to traffic routes due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, as well as road and permit closures for a short period.

There is a likelihood of loss of crops and livestock and disruption of services.

The Eastern Cape can also expect strong thunderstorms on Monday due to the approach of an upper trough combined with a high ridge surface.

There is a possibility that the expected storms will become severe and result in damaging winds, hail, showers and excessive lightning.

The affected areas include Senqu, Elundini, Sakhisizwe, Matatiele and Umzimvubu local municipalities.

The impact of these weather conditions will include localized damage to settlements and temporary structures, localized and short-term power outages, localized vehicle damage and fallen trees blocking roads.

In KwaZulu-Natal, residents can expect widespread showers and thunderstorms in most parts of the province, but scattered to isolated in the north, except in the extreme north-east on Monday.

“Some of these storms may become severe in southern parts of KZN and may be accompanied by strong, damaging winds, excessive lightning, large hail/large amounts of small to heavy showers,” SAWS said.

As a result of these weather conditions, there could be fallen trees blocking major roads, service interruptions due to power surges, danger to life (humans and animals) due to excessive lighting, and damage to structures due to hail and wind. – SAnews.gov.za