Karoo becomes winter wonderland

KAROO NEWS - The Karoo was transformed into a winter wonderland on Tuesday 15 July, with reports of snowfall across the district.

According to the Eastern Cape Department of Transport, the Wapadsberg Pass between Graaff-Reinet and Cradock was closed during the morning due to snowfall and slippery conditions. Traffic was also backed-up on the R61 Naudeberg Pass between Cradock and Graaff-Reinet.

Graaff-Reinet resident Stacey Jacobs, originally from Uitenhage, visited Wapadsberg Pass to see the snow and said it was a magical experience. "It had already started to melt, but was still so beautiful to see," she explained.

Temperatures forecasted for the area on Tuesday was a minimum of around -4°C and a maximum of 10°C.

Nieu-Bethesda resident Andre Kriel woke up to a blanket of snow in this picturesque town, which had a low of -7°C and a maximum of 5°C on the day. "The surrounding mountains are still covered in snow," he told the Advertiser on Wednesday morning. In town on Tuesday, Pienaarsig residents Anastasia Jacobs (11), Jolene Hartlief and Morné Jacobs were seen collecting firewood for the cold to come.

"This cold is normal for us," explained Hartlief, while balancing a heap of wood on her head. "More cold days will come; we can see it in these dark clouds."

Graaff-Reinet resident Stacey Jacobs on Wapadsberg Pass. "I love snow!"

Advertiser editor Paula-Ann Smit, originally from Kempton Park, saw snow for the first time in the Compassberg area.

Karin van der Ryst, a resident of the farm Ravensbourne 10km outside Middelburg, said the farm received heavy snowfall. "Although we've experienced snow like this several times before, it's still so special to see, especially on the farm," she said. "We always go out to watch the snow. Of course, we also build a snowman – it brings back fond childhood memories."

Cold days for the region are not yet over, with chilly evenings forecasted across the Karoo in the days to come. However, it will be warmer during the day, with temperatures of between 19°C and 26°C forecasted over the weekend.

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Pienaarsig residents Anastasia Jacobs (11), Jolene Hartlief and Morné Jacobs are geared for the cold with their firewood. Photo: Paula-Ann Smit