Homes damaged, roads shut and families stranded as severe weather hits SA

An intense cut-off low-pressure system has triggered widespread flooding, road closures and hazardous conditions across parts of SA, with authorities warning that the worst impacts are still unfolding in some regions. The SA Weather Service (Saws) said widespread showers and thundershowers had been recorded across large parts of the country since Tuesday, with conditions set to intensify over the southern and south-eastern regions. “Very heavy rain may result in severe flooding impacts,” Saws said, warning that the eastern parts of the Western Cape and the south-western parts of the Eastern Cape were at the highest risk from Tuesday until Thursday.

Government has also issued an Orange Level 6 warning for severe thunderstorms and disruptive rainfall, cautioning that heavy downpours could flood roads and settlements and disrupt essential services. On the ground, emergency updates shared on official platforms point to growing disruption. In the Eastern Cape, the provincial transport department confirmed multiple flood-related road closures, particularly affecting low-lying bridges in farming areas such as Joubertina and surrounding towns.

In Nelson Mandela Bay, the N2 towards John Tallant has been closed due to flooding, with traffic officers deployed to manage traffic flow. Authorities warned motorists not to attempt to cross flooded roads. “Fast-flowing water poses a serious risk and has the potential to sweep vehicles away,” the department said.

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Snow has also been reported in high-lying areas, including Lootsberg Pass near Middelburg and Wapadsberg in Nxuba, although major routes are still open. Severe storms have battered the Garden Route and Eastern Cape, prompting school closures and widespread flooding.#weather#storms#flooding#gardenroute#easterncapehttps://t.co/J8qnCvOjnD VIDEO: Heavy flooding has affected Avante Primary School in Kocksoord, Randfontein in the West Rand District Municipality. This follows persistent rainfall over the past 24 hours.

The flooding has disrupted school activities. It has also raised safety concerns on campus.…pic.twitter.com/ByE4qObOrX

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