The South African Weather Service has issued widespread severe weather warnings across the country as an intense cut-off low brings heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and snowfall to multiple provinces.

The Eastern Cape is bracing for the highest impact, with an Orange Level 8 warning for Koukamma and Kouga Local Municipalities, where disruptive rainfall is expected to cause flooding, infrastructure damage, and possible isolation of communities. Additional Orange Level 6 warnings have been issued for coastal areas between Tsitsikamma and Kei Mouth, with conditions expected to persist into Thursday.

KwaZulu-Natal is also on alert, with a combination of Orange and Yellow level warnings for severe thunderstorms bringing damaging winds, hail, and heavy downpours likely to trigger localized flooding and infrastructure damage.

In the Western Cape and parts of the Garden Route, disruptive rain, strong winds, and rough seas are expected, posing risks to transport, coastal infrastructure, and small harbors. Similar storm activity is forecast across Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces where isolated to widespread thunderstorms may lead to flash flooding and hazardous travel conditions.

Snowfall is also expected in high-lying areas of the Northern Cape, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, raising concerns over icy roads and livestock losses.

The weather service says the system will persist through Wednesday and Thursday, warning of a combination of flooding, snow, strong winds, and very cold conditions. 

Authorities have therefore urged the public, particularly farmers and motorists, to exercise caution and prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions.