/ 22 June 2006

Snow predicted for Eastern Cape, Drakensberg

Heavy snowfalls are likely over the north-eastern parts of the Eastern Cape on Thursday, the South African Weather Service said.

Forecaster Deon van der Mescht said very cold and wet conditions were expected in Aliwal North, Queenstown and Molteno.

The Automobile Association (AA) issued a warning to motorists travelling to these areas to be careful.

”Motorists are advised to postpone their journey to these areas if possible,” the AA said in a media statement.

No road closures were reported, but motorists were advised to drive with caution.

The weather service said snowfalls would on Thursday evening move to the Drakensberg.

”Light snowfalls will move to the Drakensberg and it will be more than light in other areas, especially on the KwaZulu-Natal side,” forecaster Mark Todd said.

Gauteng temperatures will not be affected much by the snowfalls, although Johannesburg will only reach a high of 15 degrees Celsius and Pretoria 17 degrees. — Sapa