"With light snow flurries and sleet starting to fall in high-lying areas along the N3 Toll Route, motorists and transport operators are advised to avoid the area, if possible," the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) said in a statement.

Heavy snowfalls were expected later on Sunday, through to Tuesday. The current cold front had now extended to parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State. Mooi River, Ladysmith, the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Van Reenen’s Pass, Harrismith, Bethlehem, and surrounding areas could be affected, it said.

"With the increased possibility of snow, there is also a high likelihood that local residents and travellers may be snowed-in as roads may have to be closed in the interest of safety. Don’t rush to snow areas," the RTI said.

“Avoid travelling in hazardous conditions,” RTI Ladysmith district station commander Dave Steele said in the statement.

“Heavy traffic delays and road closures may occur. Driving conditions may become dangerous as snow and black ice cause roads to become treacherous. In the event of this happening, roads could be closed in the interest of the safety of road users and emergency and rescue teams,” Steele said.

All emergency services, law enforcement agencies, rescue and relief services, and disaster management teams in the area had been placed on high alert. Furthermore,” N3 Toll Concession’s (N3TC) dedicated route services teams were on standby and ready to provide support where and when required.

“Emergency teams’ ability to address difficult situations and clear the route as quickly as possible depends heavily on the compliance of all road users. It is therefore recommended to limit travel along the N3 Toll Route and its feeder roads under these conditions and when the area is deemed inaccessible,” N3TC commercial manager Con Roux said in the statement.

The N3TC manages the N3 Toll Route between Heidelberg in Gauteng and Cedara in KwaZulu-Natal.

"Keep in mind that heavy snow storms often cause power failures and communication systems may be under pressure. You may not be able to use mobile and telecommunication networks,” Roux warned.

If people had no other option but to travel, it was essential to stay aware of weather warnings and the possibility of associated road closures. Conditions may change quickly, thus it was recommended to be well prepared.

"Pack extra blankets, food, and refreshments in your vehicle in the event that you may be caught in a lengthy closure. People with medical conditions should ensure that they travel with sufficient medical supplies and medication. Also make additional provision for lengthy delays if you are travelling with babies and/or elderly people. Don’t take any risks, be ready for any eventuality and heed warnings,” Roux said.

Weather and traffic conditions, as well as road closures, would be communicated via the media and N3TC’s Twitter feed (@N3Route). It was highly recommended that road users confirm the status of travel conditions with N3TC’s 24-hour Customer Careline on 0800 N3 Help (0800-63-4357).

ANA