Surf Cooking in Durban, Van Reenen’s Pass is OPEN

Surf Cooking in Durban by Adam Kamdar

Surf Cooking in Durban by Adam Kamdar: As much as inland is too cold even to go outside, we only get down to about 10 degrees Celsius here in Durban.
Which seems within range for the surfers in Durban town…

Durban 07h30 by Adam

Surf Cooking in Durban today by Adam Kamdar: Luckily for Jack O Neil inventing surfing wetsuits all those cold years ago! For today is even considered crowded as Durban town surfers brave the cold conditions.

Well, the water is 21. And on land it is about 14! Stay in the water all day!

The very short swell period and the ESE direction create the consistent sets. These sets keep coming in at North Beach and surrounds. There are non-stop waves! And these conditions will last into the afternoon. As the light SW just keeps airbrushing it all smoother and smoother each hour.

With a beautiful low tide late morning, it can even get better than it looks right now.

Thank you Adam!

Van Reenens Pass is OPEN

After many people and their vehicles were stuck spending the whole night hemmed in on the Van Reenen’s Pass, things finally got back to a reasonable level of ordinariness today.

Only one lane is open, but dual direction traffic is being facilitated.

From the Powers That Be…

Media Statement
For Immediate Release
21 September 2024
WEATHER UPDATE: DISASTER MANAGEMENT TEAMS COORDINATING RELIEF EFFORTS AS LEVEL 8 SNOW WARNING ISSUED FOR KZN

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) convened a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) meeting this morning, where District Disaster Management Centres provided updates on relief efforts following the disruptive snowstorm that affected the interior parts of the province since yesterday. The snowstorm has blocked major routes, including the R74 (Harrismith to Bergville), R74 Greytown/Colenso Road, N3 (Harrismith to Tugela Toll), R617 (Kokstad to Underberg), and N3 Northbound, among others.

Multidisciplinary interventions have begun to yield results, with some stranded motorists receiving support in the form of soup kitchens, shelter, and blankets. Local municipalities, in conjunction with other state organs, have mobilised graders to clear snow in affected regions, prioritising major routes to facilitate emergency access.

Residents are urged to stay off the roads and avoid using alternative routes, as inclement weather conditions are expected to worsen. According to the South African Weather Service, a Level 8 warning for further disruptive snow is in effect for Alfred Duma Ladysmith, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Inkosi Langalibalele Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele Sobabili, Mpofana Giants Castle, Mpofana Mooi River, Okhahlamba and uMngeni. This warning indicates a potentially life-threatening weather occurrence.

The heavy snowfall has also caused fallen trees, further complicating the situation. Residents living near the N3 who can assist stranded motorists with supplies are encouraged to do so safely.

The heavy snow has disrupted essential services, including water and electricity, in several communities. Technical teams are working to restore these services as quickly as possible, but residents should prepare for potential delays due to the weather conditions.

Residents are strongly advised against snow chasing, as road conditions are extremely dangerous. Communities in the northern parts of the province continue to experience heavy rains, raising concerns about localised flooding. Disaster management teams are providing support to these areas, and residents are warned to remain vigilant.

Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels.

Issued by the KZN Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

Sardine n Sighting Maps

It has been a fantastic sardine run this memorable 2024. And all the action has been logged right here on The Sardine News. This year’s map has been viewed 180,000 times and keeps growing.

Which led us to decide to keep the map live. And keep adding unique marine animal sightings and events. That occurs non-stop all year round. This year we started to log more whale and dolphin sightings. And we even had a shipwreck! And a freaking tornado!

These events will from now on be included in the Sardine News Sightings Map for 2024. And on the 1 January 2025, we shall start all over again.

Here are the links to existing and past Sardine Sighting Maps. Great for chilly day like today to research. With instructions to install The Sardine News right on your phone or desktop.

2024 Sardine Map

2023 Sardine Map

2022 Sardine Map

2021 Sardine Map

Channels

Brucifire Surf Retorts – highly entertaining  surf reporting

Master Watermen – news from way down deep

The Sardine News – neva miss a single  sardine

FishBazaruto – 1000 pounds plus

MYDO Tackle Talk – highly technical  sport fishing

Surf Launching Southern Africa – getting out there safely

Water Woes – complain here

Websites

umzimkulu.co.za – self-catering right on the Umzimkulu River
umzimkuluadrenalin.co.za –  will get you right onto the edge
thesardine.co.za – never miss a single  sardine or storm warning
masterwatermen.co.za – news from deep down
brucifire.co.za –  surf and conditions reporting
fishbazaruto.com – your dreams are out there
mydofishinglures.co.za – technical  sport fishing