JOHANNESBURG - A bitter blast is gripping parts of South Africa, with dangerous weather disrupting lives and travel.
The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow, with parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State among the hardest hit.
Eastern Cape authorities said a total of five mountain passes in the high-lying areas of the Eastern Cape remain closed to traffic as snowfall continues to affect parts of the province.
* Barkly Pass – R58 between Ekhephini (Barkly East) and Khowa (Elliot)
* Penhoek Pass - N6 between Komani and James Calata (Jamestown)
* Boesmanshoek Pass - between Sterkstroom and Molteno
* Qashas Nek Pass – between Matatiele and Lesotho
* Lootsberg Pass – N9 between Robert Sobukwe (Graaff-Reinet) and Middelburg
Alternative route for N9: From Graaff-Reinet, use the N9/N6 towards the R61 to Nxuba, then rejoin the N10 towards Middelburg.
All other mountain passes remain open, but motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution as winter conditions may change rapidly.
"Avoid closed routes, obey road closure signs and follow instructions from traffic and emergency personnel."
Yellow Level 2 snow warnings are also in place, while damaging winds are expected along parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Gauteng is bracing for severe thunderstorms as the weather turns increasingly treacherous.