Winter is tightening its grip on parts of South Africa, with heavy snow, freezing temperatures, rain and strong winds causing dangerous conditions and disrupting travel across several provinces.

The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow, with parts of the Eastern Cape and Free State among the hardest hit. Several major routes and mountain passes have been affected, although some roads have since reopened.

Motorists are being urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly along the N3 between Harrismith and Van Reenen Pass, where emergency teams are working to prevent black ice.

Guest: Simon Gear: Climatologist