Supplied by Gravett family
A big freeze across large parts of the Eastern Cape has resulted in several snow-covered mountain passes being closed to traffic.
The massive cold front sweeping across the region has also turned Hogsback into a winter-wonderland with thick snow several feet deep.
The Eastern Cape Transport Department says at least four major roads have been closed due to heavy snow and slippery conditions across the province.
Department spokesperson Unathi Bhinqose says the R56 between Molteno and Steynsburg, the N6 at Penhoek Pass between Jamestown and Queenstown and the N9 at Lootsberg Pass between Graaff-Reinet and Middleburg are affected.
The R61at Wapadsberg Pass, Cradock towards Graaff-Reinet is also closed.
Bhinqose advised motorists to use alternative routes to avoid accidents and delays.
He added that the closure of the R58 at Barkley Pass between Khowa (Elliot) and Barkley East is imminent as snow continues to pile up causing slippery conditions.
AlgoaFM News has also received images of the snow-covered mountain range in the Langkloof in the heart of Nelson Mandela Bay’s main catchment area, it augurs well for run-off into the desperately low supply dams.
Weather office spokesperson Garth Sampson reports that excellent falls were measured up until 8 am on Thursday at key towns in the Langkloof.
Kareedouw measured 32 mm, Joubertina 17.2 mm, Patensie 3.8 mm and the Kouga Dam just 2 mm.
Importantly, the rain is expected to persist along the coast until Friday.
Nelson Mandela Bay has received a lot of rain over the past two days with a total of 39.4 mm measured at the airport and 37.8 mm at 3rd avenue dip in Newton Park.
Elsewhere, Plettenberg Bay has received 56.6 mm, Mossel Bay 12.4 mm, George 9.4 mm, Cape St Francis 23 mm and Port Alfred 11.2 mm.
