Industry News
A rare snowstorm swept through southern Africa last weekend, leaving a trail of disruption and wonder in its wake. The usually temperate regions of Lesotho and South Africa were blanketed with inches of snow. Especially heavy snow fell in the KwaZulu Natal (also known as Drakensberg Mountains), Free State, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng state in South Africa, which saw up to six feet of snowfall, shutting down highways and stranding hundreds of drivers.
The unexpected snowstorm resulted in one reported fatality and left many stranded on major highways, including a school bus full of children. Emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped, clearing roads and ensuring public safety. Many people were forced to spend the night in their vehicles and one person died in her car from hypothermia. Roads in the northeast of South Africa were particularly affected. The National Road N3, which connects Johannesburg with Durban on the eastern coast, was one of the most affected roads, with several sections closed due to snowfall.
KwaZulu Natal, or Drakensberg Mountains, is a mountain range in South Africa and Lesotho. It is home to Afriski, a premier ski resort in the region. Located at an altitude of 2,750 meters (9,022 feet), Afriski offers an unparalleled skiing experience in Africa. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and stunning vistas, Afriski offers skiing and boarding from June to August. This year, the ski area has been able to extend its season all the way into September.
Snow Report South Africa had warned people of the incoming snowstorm and advised the public not to travel. However, the rare weather phenomenon also attracted onlookers, who made the trip into the mountains specifically to experience the snow. South Africa’s National Weather Service spoke of an “extreme case” and both the National Weather Service as well as Snow Report South Africa are forecasting further snowfalls for this coming weekend. While some areas in the interior of South Africa often see snow in winter, heavy snowfall is rare—especially at this time of year. Videos from the GG Conservation Glen Gariffn Lion Park showing lions covered in snow went viral on social media. The conservation park assured that the lions were unharmed by the snow and that the snow disappeared as quickly as it came.
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I don’t think enough people know that it’s snowing right now across 2 provinces, Kwa Zulu Natal and the Free State, in South Africa. There are road closures and hundreds of vehicles stuck, getting covered in snow. pic.twitter.com/byDwvRlTfz
— Beyonka 🏳⚧ (@beyonka_fierce) September 21, 2024
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