Unusually heavy snowfall caused significant disruptions on South Africa’s roads on Saturday, leaving many stranded motorists overnight.
The key N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban was particularly affected, with several sections closed due to impassable conditions.
Emergency services worked tirelessly to reach stranded motorists, but it remained unclear how many people were affected or their condition.
N3 Toll Concession operations manager Thania Dhoogra reported that blankets and meals had been delivered to some motorists, while trucks and buses were stuck on the side of the road for hours.
Motorist Muhammad Goolam described spending the night in his car with his children near Harrismith, with dwindling food supplies and concerns about their ability to drive out without assistance.
Some areas experienced up to two meters of snowfall, prompting the closure of border posts with Lesotho.
Despite the dangers, the rare snowfall excited many South Africans who ventured out to see the snow.
Justin Nadasem Baker drove for three hours with his family to Warden, eager to experience the unusual weather.
As more snow was expected, authorities issued orange warnings for several parts of the country.
The South African Weather Services forecaster, Luthando Masimini, emphasized the extreme nature of the snowfall.