Johannesburg: The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has announced that very cold and wet conditions, accompanied by light snowfall, are anticipated to begin from Tuesday evening in various parts of the Eastern Cape, southern KwaZulu-Natal, the southern Free State, and along the Lesotho border. This weather pattern is attributed to a cut-off low weather system, which is projected to dissipate from the west by Thursday.

According to South African Government News Agency, SAWS has urged farmers to implement precautionary measures to reduce the adverse effects of these severe weather conditions. In response to the impending weather, the service has released several alerts to inform and prepare the affected communities.

An Orange Level 6 Warning has been issued for disruptive rain that may lead to flooding of bridges, roads, settlements, and cause damage to property and infrastructure. This warning particularly pertains to areas along the coast and adjacent interior between East London and Port Edward.

Furthermore, an Orange Level 5 Warning highlights the expectation of disruptive snow, which could result in traffic challenges, interruptions to essential services, and temporary isolation of some communities in the extreme north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape.

In addition to these warnings, a Yellow Level 4 Warning has been announced for disruptive rain with potential flooding and property damage in the coastal and adjacent interior regions of KwaZulu-Natal, south of St. Lucia. A Yellow Level 2 Warning has been issued for similar rain-related disruptions in the south-eastern parts of the Eastern Cape and the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, excluding the extreme north-east.

Another Yellow Level 2 Warning concerns disruptive snow in the north-eastern high ground of the Eastern Cape, with possible traffic disturbances and service interruptions. Lastly, a Yellow Level 1 Warning pertains to damaging coastal winds and waves between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas, which could complicate navigation at sea for small vessels and personal watercraft, as well as disrupt local beachfront activities.