UPDATE: City power outages surge, as snow falls across Johannesburg

Update: 5.15pm Tuesday, 11 August:  City Power says the number of active outage calls across Johannesburg has nearly doubled since Monday night, climbing to more than 3,600 on Tuesday. 

With rain falling throughout the day and commuters heading home from work and school, motorists are urged to take extra care. Wet roads, failing traffic lights and poor visibility after dark could make the evening commute particularly challenging.

City Power has also renewed its appeal for residents to use electricity sparingly during peak hours to ease pressure on the grid.

Meanwhile, Gauteng "snow chasers" have captured beautiful visuals of this natural wonder that is a rare commodity in the province. The Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market on Kerk Street, Oakdene, Steeldale and Bedfordview are some of the fortunate areas that have been showered with snow. 

Johannesburg last experienced snow in 2023, although those flurries were considerably lighter. Before that, the city and several other parts of South Africa saw heavier snowfall in August 2012.   

10:37am Tuesday, 11 August: Snow Alert: Severe weather causes widespread outages across Gauteng

While no major road closures have been reported in Johannesburg, Gauteng Weather Service has cautioned residents about persistent showers throughout the day.  

Warnings about possible snow later this evening have also been issued, particularly across southern and eastern Gauteng, including Johannesburg. 

According to the Johannesburg Roads Agency, various traffic lights in multiple parts of Johannesburg, including Killarney, Houghton, Denver and Braamfontein, are currently not operating because the electrical grid is under immense pressure due to the weather conditions. On Monday, the city was dealing with more than 2,000 open outage calls, and the number has risen by more than 400 calls this morning.   

Add to this, interprovincial travel between Johannesburg and Durban is being affected as the N3 between Harrismith and the Tugela Toll Plaza is fully closed in both directions, with KwaZulu-Natal continuing to experience hazardous snowfall conditions. 

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena said in a media statement: “A number of electricity faults, particularly underground cable faults, require technicians to conduct fault-finding, followed by excavation and trenching to expose the affected cable before repairs can begin.”

Mangena added that the wet weather was making it difficult for technicians to do their work effectively. He also requested that residents use electricity sparingly. 

No school-related incidents reported

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile issued a statement urging learners and school staff to proceed with their day as normal, saying bad weather alone should not keep anyone from school. So far, no school-related incidents have been reported but staff and learners have been advised to dress warmly as the temperatures are extremely low. 

However, motorists have been advised to exercise extra caution, as current weather conditions may impair their vision. The roads are also reported to be icy and slippery, intensifying the need to tread extra carefully.

Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! While you're at it, sign up for our newsletter to receive even more of the best of your city.

TIME OUT JOHANNESBURG RECOMMENDS:

📍 The best things to do in Johannesburg
🏨 The best hotels in Johannesburg
🍽 The best restaurants in Johannesburg
🛏️ Where to stay in Johannesburg
📢 Latest news from Johannesburg