Unbelievable! Eastern Cape turns into a winter wonderland

Snow has transformed areas of the Eastern Cape into a winter wonderland, even as other provinces experience scorching heat.

Snow had been forecast for the Eastern Cape since Sunday, 2 November, and residents have taken to social media to share images and videos of the snowfall.

SNOW FALLS IN THE EASTERN CAPE

On Tuesday, 5 November, the Eastern Cape Department of Transport said snow in November is a strange phenomenon in the Karoo towns of Graaff-Reinet, Nxuba (Cradock) and Middelburg.

The department said it is keeping a close eye on Mountain Passes, Lootsberg Pass on the N9 between Middelburg and Graaf Reinet as well as Wapadsberg Pass between Graaff Reinet and Nxuba (Cradock).

Most residents took shared images and videos taken at the Lootsberg Pass between Middelburg, Eastern Cape and Graaff-Reinet.

On Tuesday, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an orange level 5 warning for disruptive snow in the province.

SAWS said snowfalls are expected over the high-lying areas due to a high pressure system ridging from far south of the country, with a southerly, to south easterly wind, resulting in cold to very cold and wet conditions over most parts of the province.

POSSIBLE IMPACTS:

• Danger to life
• Loss of livestock and crops
• Closure of major routes and passes
• Dangerous driving conditions due to icy and slippery roads

The weather service had issued a yellow level 4 warning on Monday and said very cold and wet conditions can be expected in the following areas:

• Chris Hani district municipality
• Joe Gqabi district municipality
• Dr Beyers Naude
• Blue Crane Route
• Matatiele
• Umzimvubu and
• Raymond Mhlaba local municiplaities