Last week, thousands of motorists were stuck on the N3 highway for over 48 hours after a heavy snowfall rendered the roads impassable. One person reportedly died of hypothermia.

The department says areas that will be affected include the Drakensberg, Kokstad, Underberg, the Midlands, Bergville, the Ladysmith area, as well as Newcastle and surrounding towns.

COGTA Spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila says, “Residents across the province are assured that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to engage directly with stakeholders, including municipalities through the respective District Disaster Management Centres, social partners, and government entities responsible for law enforcement, disaster response, and roads, to ensure plans are in place to deal with any eventuality should the weather conditions deteriorate."

Residents are urged to monitor weather forecasts through reliable sources and further updates will be provided by the department.

--SABC--