{"id":263630,"date":"2025-06-09T10:02:15","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T08:02:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/watch-mountain-pass-near-graaff-reinet-closed-as-snowfall-continues-to-fall-2\/"},"modified":"2025-06-09T14:05:19","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T12:05:19","slug":"watch-mountain-pass-near-graaff-reinet-closed-as-snowfall-continues-to-fall-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/udexpress\/watch-mountain-pass-near-graaff-reinet-closed-as-snowfall-continues-to-fall-2\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH | Mountain pass near Graaff-Reinet closed as snowfall continues to fall"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Eastern Cape Department of Transport has advised motorists to use alternative routes after continuous snowfall has led to the closure of Lootsberg Pass located on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg earlier today, 9 June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said that he expects a very disruptive day on the roads as the weather conditions are less than ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said that the temperature has plummeted to below 2 degrees in some of the areas that are prone to snowfall such as Graaff-Reinet and Nxuba (Cradock).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Binqose said that Lootsberg Pass located on the N9 has been closed due to continuing snowfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The snow continues to fall on the N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg and the snow is getting thicker on the road,&#8221; said Binqose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We are calling all road users to understand when roads are closed as it will be done in the interest of their safety.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, Binqose said that the N6 road between Komani and Cathcart is closed due to a truck accident that spilled hazardous chemicals on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said that the road will be closed for a period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Binqose further said that Wapadsberg Pass on the R61 between Nxuba and Graaff-Reinet has not yet been closed but motorists are urged to use that road only if they really need to, and in doing that, proceed with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;We are keeping a close eye on the other mountain passes as well,&#8221; said Binqose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-videopress\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label='VideoPress Video Player' width='500' height='282' src='https:\/\/videopress.com\/embed\/kfGuG4ST?cover=1&amp;preloadContent=metadata&amp;useAverageColor=1&amp;hd=0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen data-resize-to-parent=\"true\" allow='clipboard-write'><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1770107250'><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Motorists advised to use alternative routes after Lootsberg Pass on N9 between Graaff-Reinet and Middelburg closed due to heavy snowfall on 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