By Mapaballo Borotho
- A powerful winter storm has brought snow, heavy rain and freezing temperatures to parts of South Africa.
- The Eastern Cape has been hardest hit, with severe weather warnings in place.
- Authorities are urging residents to avoid travel and take precautions as conditions worsen.
South Africans are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel this week as a significant drop in temperatures brings snow and severe weather to parts of the country.
A chaotic morning unfolded in several regions on Tuesday, 06 May 2026, as a powerful winter storm swept across the country, bringing cold, snowy and windy conditions to multiple provinces.
The Eastern Cape has been the hardest hit, with an Orange Level 9 warning issued for severe disruptive rain. Heavy snow has already been reported in some parts of the province.
Snow alert!
: Carlton Heights (Middelburg to Noupoort) – heavy snow.reported. Drive super slow, use low gear, & keep distance.
#EasternCape #Snow #RoadSafety pic.twitter.com/kIi9qvYMzT
— SA NATIONAL TRAFFIC UPDATES (@lnnocent191535) May 6, 2026
Across the rest of the country, a sharp drop in daytime temperatures is expected in all provinces, with the possible exception of Limpopo.
In Gauteng, isolated rain and showers are forecast, particularly in the southern parts of the province, with a possibility of sleet. Cold temperatures are expected to persist into the afternoon.
The South African Weather Service has called on residents and farmers to exercise extra caution.
Residents are advised to monitor regular weather updates, postpone travel plans until conditions improve, and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams. It is also recommended that people secure valuable items from potential floodwaters.
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