KZN weather leads to power outages and travel disruptions
Updated Aug. 11, 2026, 6:52 a.m. | By Tsakane Mhlongo Eskom is investigating power outages across KwaZulu-Natal after snow and heavy rain affected several…
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Updated Aug. 11, 2026, 6:52 a.m. | By Tsakane Mhlongo
Eskom is investigating power outages across KwaZulu-Natal after snow and heavy rain affected several areas. The South African Weather Service is also warning of more disruptive weather, including damaging coastal winds, rough seas, snowfall and very cold conditions.
Eskom in KZN says it's investigating power outages affecting several areas across the province, following heavy rain and snowfall. Technicians have been sent to Kokstad, Franklin, Nottingham Road and Underberg - which were impacted by snow and heavy rain.
The power utility says networks in Pietermaritzburg, Margate, Estcourt and Empangeni have also been affected by rainfall. It says some areas were inaccessible on Monday night - due to road closures from the adverse weather. The severe weather had led to the closure of several major routes, including the R617 and parts of the N3 - but the roads have since been reopened.
The utility's urging residents to treat all electrical installations as live and stay away from fallen cables, damaged infrastructure and other hazardous materials. Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged residents take all neccessary precautions.
Department spokesperson, Pearl-Maseko Binqose, has encouraged residents in affected areas to take the warnings seriously and assist vulnerable members of their communities.
“Members of the public are also urged to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly through areas affected by heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Exercise extreme caution when driving and avoid roads that are closed, inaccessible or deemed unsafe."
Follow official weather, road, and emergency service advisories and comply with instructions issued by authorities.
The Weather Service is warning residents in parts of KZN to expect more disruptive weather on Tuesday. The coast is on a yellow level 2 warning for damaging winds and waves.
Forecaster Wiseman Dlamini says it could make navigation difficult and disrupt operations at small harbours and ports. He's warned that small vessels are at risk of taking on water and capsizing.
“We do expect those waves to be at least four to six meters, as well as strong winds with the wind gusts at least 40 knots (74km/h)."
South-western KZN remains under a yellow level 2 alert for disruptive snow - resulting in isolated loss of vulnerable livestock and crops. Very cold and windy conditions are expected in places over the interior of KZN.
Dlamini says snow leading to icy roads may result in traffic disruptions and localised damage to settlements.
"The snowfall in some of the areas obviously around the Drakensberg region, including Kokstad area, Msunduzi, some part of Matatiele, as well as Underberg, Giant's Castle, Royal Natal, possible Bergville as well."
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