By: Natasha Archary

The N3 has been reopened fully to traffic on Monday, 23 September following a weekend of heavy snowfall which left motorists trapped after the highway was closed.
On Saturday, 21 September, one person died due to exposure and hypothermia, but that number has increased to two since then.
Motorists were stuck as disruptive, heavy snowfall covered the highway, making driving impossible.
While farmers between Harrismith and Tugela came to assist in removing the snow off parts of the highway, motorists were still stranded until conditions cleared.
On Monday, motorists were advised only to start using the N3 during the day as it is considered safer to travel.
Despite fair weather warnings being issued for the disruptive weather patterns, many still ventured on a road trip in the hazardous conditions.
An estimated 50cm of snow fell over the Drakensberg and almost 40cm is said to have covered the N3 between Tugela and Harrismith, including Van Reenen’s pass.
A cold front and cut-off low caused the unusual weather pattern over KwaZulu-Natal and motorists are still urged to exercise caution while travelling the route.
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