Many roads have been affected by the heavy rainfall across the Western Cape on Sunday today, with north-westerly winds reaching up to 120kph that are expected to hit the City of Cape Town, Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, Overstrand and the Theewaterskloof municipalities today.
Also read: South African Weather Services issues damaging wind warning
This comes after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Level 8 warning for ‘damaging winds and heavy downpours’, as reported by Radio 786.
The following roads have been impacted by the weather conditions:
- 35th and Owen Road in Connaught
- FW De Klerk outbound at Marine Drive
- Beach and Coronation in Maitland
- Bellrail, before Adam Tas in Bellville
- NY3A at Nyanga Train Station
- Manenberg Avenue and Thames Road
A tree is also blocking traffic on Old Paarl and De La Haye Avenue in Bellville and due to forecast, more roads are likely going to be impacted.
Helshoogte Pass has been closed due to ‘adverse weather conditions’ in the meantime, according to a post made on the Stellenbosch Municipality’s Facebook page.
Current weather-related road closures reported to the Traffic Control Room are:
- Palomino Street, Jagtershof
- Schotia Street, Loevenstein – Tree obstructing roadway
- Turfhall Road, Manenberg – Tree obstructing roadway
- N1 inbound before M5, the right lane is flooded
- N1 outbound ramp to Jip De Jager – a mudslide has resulted in the left lane being closed
- Vasco Blvd southbound before Voortrekker Road – both lanes are closed
- Jakes Gerwel northbound before Bofors Circle, the right lane is closed
Currently, assessments are underway in Philippi, where reports of flooding have been received, with similar reports that are under investigation in Asanda Village and Mfuleni, according to a Facebook post made by JP Smith.
In Endlovini, approximately 800 structures were impacted by strong gusts of wind overnight on Thursday, with the City being in discussions with the Province and National Government about shelter for affected persons requiring assistance.
A few of the roads that were flooded in the early hours of the morning have been cleared.
The Roads Department is conducting an inspection in Kalk Bay to check for any additional impacts following two mud slides that occurred earlier this week.
The department is also pumping water from Highlands Estate.
In addition, the Recreation and Parks Department has had four incidents reported of trees falling over.
Motorists have been urged to drive cautiously within the speed limit to prevent unnecessary accidents and remain vigilant.
Western Cape Disaster Management teams are reported to be on standby.
Also read:
Disruptive rains and damaging winds in store for Western Cape
Picture: Screenshot / JP Smith / Facebook