South Africa hit by surprise snowfall (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Harsh weather has left hundreds stranded on the highway, with one woman dying from hypothermia, local officials have said

One woman has died and numerous motorists have been left stranded after a surprise heavy snowfall in South Africa, according to local officials and media.

The spell of bad weather struck on Saturday, with the impact particularly felt along the key N3 highway connecting Johannesburg and the coastal city of Durban. The snowfall completely halted traffic, leaving drivers and passengers trapped.

Drivers also complained that they found themselves completely helpless on the road, vulnerable to the attacks of criminals.

Local authorities have mounted a rescue, including efforts to provide motorists with hot food, blankets and other assistance. According to SA News, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is leading operations, while the Department of Transport is attempting to clear the roads.

However, officials have confirmed that despite the response, at least one person had died. The victim, described as a 39-year-old woman, was traveling by minibus taxi but got stuck en route, spending the night in sub-zero temperatures. Although she and other passengers later managed to reach a nearby shopping center, the woman “collapsed and was in a critical state of hypothermia.” She was taken to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

South African Weather Services forecaster Luthando Masimini told AFP that more snow was expected, and orange warnings, the second highest alert level, remained in place for several parts of the country.