Several towns across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have been plunged into darkness following a wave of extreme weather that hit the province this week.
Power outages in KZN: These areas have been affected
Eskom, the national electricity provider, confirmed on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, that power outages have been reported in numerous areas due to ongoing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall.
The areas affected by the outages include Empangeni, Melmoth, Inkosi Mtubatuba, Ulundi, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Nongoma, Eshowe, Bergville, Ladysmith, Ingagane, Paulpietersburg, Ixopo, Kokstad, Cedarville, Franklin, Umzimkhulu, Bulwer, Lamington, Harding, Ingeli, Paddock, Edendale, and Riverdale.
Eskom stated that it has deployed technical teams to work on restoring electricity where conditions allow. However, many areas are difficult to reach because of flooded roads and snow-blocked routes.
“We understand the inconvenience and frustration this situation causes and appeal to our customers for patience and understanding as we work to restore power safely and as quickly as possible,” the utility said.
Eskom also reminded the public to be extremely cautious around damaged infrastructure. Fallen cables, broken poles, or exposed wires should be avoided and reported immediately, as these can be deadly even if they do not appear dangerous.
What’s the latest with KZN weather today?
The weather itself continues to worsen. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cut-off low pressure system is the cause of the ongoing severe weather.
These systems are known to bring prolonged and intense rainfall, snow, and winds.
Nhlanhla Sithole from SAWS warned,
“There is an orange level 5 warning for damaging interior winds in southern KZN. These winds could result in injuries, destruction of homes, and the loss of crops and animals.”
In coastal regions, winds have reached up to 80km/h. A yellow level 4 warning has been issued for areas along the coast due to the high risk of waves crashing into harbours and the dangers to small boats and beach activities.
Meanwhile, snowfall has blanketed towns in the Drakensberg region. Areas like Underberg, Kokstad, Impendle, Inkosi Langalibalele, Mpofana, Okhahlamba, Umuziwabantu, and uMzimkhulu are under a level 2 snowfall warning.
Senzelwe Mzila from the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) said the snow could cause road closures and damage to crops and livestock.
Because of the snow and icy roads, the N2 highway between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg has been shut down. This closure extends into the Eastern Cape.
“To save lives, we have decided to close completely the road between Kokstad and Pietermaritzburg as well as the R603,” KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said.
Traffic police are working on redirecting vehicles and clearing snow. Duma also urged motorists and “snow chasers” to avoid these areas altogether for safety reasons.
With both infrastructure and natural conditions making access difficult, power restoration and relief efforts in KZN may take time.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are working with multiple agencies to restore normal services where possible.
