South Africa rescue teams recovered more bodies Thursday, days after heavy rains and strong winds battered the Eastern Cape province, as the death toll rose to at least 78.

A powerful winter storm is sweeping across South Africa, bringing bitter cold, snow and flooding to several provinces. The Eastern Cape is hardest hit, with an Orange Level 9 warning issued for severe disruptive rain.

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government said that parts of the N2 have been closed temporarily due to the icy and snowy conditions causing traffic congestion.

The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 9 warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms over the eastern half of the Eastern Cape.