Motorists across Cape Town are being urged to proceed with extreme caution as a powerful cold front that made landfall early on Wednesday morning has led to flooding and hazardous road conditions throughout the metro.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for disruptive rainfall, in effect until Thursday morning, and a Yellow Level 4 warning for damaging coastal waves beginning Wednesday evening.
The storm is expected to persist until Sunday, 29 June, with maximum temperatures plunging below 10 degrees Celsius in certain high-lying areas and the possibility of snowfall and strong winds.
Areas affected by flooding
Real-time alerts shared via WCLive Traffic & Safety and Cape Town Traffic Alerts report flooding in the following areas:
- Paarden Eiland to M5 fly-over (09:08): Right lane flooded heading toward N1
- Elsies River (10:30): Flooding at Francie van Zijl Drive and Connaught Road
- Bergvliet (10:52): Flooding at Main Road and Ladies Mile Road
- Ottery (11:13): Water accumulation at Ottery Road and New Strandfontein Road
- Claremont (11:59): Flooding near Warrington Road (Masterparts)
- Kommetjie Road (11:43): Flooding near Fish Eagle Park
- Strandfontein Road: Video shared by Traffic SA shows pooling water at Ottery junction
- Baden Powell Drive (12:19): Deep flooding between Pavilion and Sunrise Circle; barely visible roadway conditions
Official response
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre has activated all relevant municipal departments and partners, placing them on standby.
“We ask that the public take heed of the warnings and do as much as possible to safeguard their properties during the forecast period,” a City spokesperson said.
Residents are being advised to:
- Clear gutters and downpipes
- Dig trenches to divert stormwater
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Keep emergency kits ready
- Monitor updates through official social media and radio bulletins
Emergency contacts
For life-threatening emergencies, residents are urged to call: (021) 480 7700
Authorities warn that reduced visibility, slippery roads, and potential infrastructure damage pose significant threats. Coastal communities should prepare for rough seas and dangerous surf conditions from Wednesday evening.
“Stay indoors where possible, avoid flood-prone areas, and follow all municipal instructions,” added SAWS meteorologist Rudzani Malala.
Further updates will be issued by SAWS and city officials as the situation develops.
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