The City of Johannesburg’s emergency response division was stretched on Wednesday, with torrential conditions causing disruption across the metro.
Joburg flooding: Roads to avoid on Wednesday, 27 November 2024
A passing current has heavily struck several parts of Johannesburg and traffic is expected to be severely impacted ahead of a congested high-peak traffic period.
According to the Joburg Roads Agency, routes on and around low-lying bridges were inaccessible due to floods.
In particular, Vundla Drive and Nancefields bridges in Soweto are completely sealed off to allow responders time and space to reduce rainfall levels.
“JRA regional standby teams are on high alert to help the community and road users,” the agency noted in a statement.
Gauteng authorities are also tending to disruption caused by what’s believed to be a tornado that ruptured parts of Randfontein.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) had, when this article was published, yet to formally categorise the weather system but a circular shared with community policing forums in Randfontein, Sandton and surrounds indicates that emergency officials are treating this as a tornado event.
Earlier today, the weather service issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms, affecting parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Based on estimates, the system is expected to complete its passage by 20:00 SAST, with conditions likely to improve well into the wee hours of Thursday.
The JRA issued this advisory on navigating flooded routes in affected parts of the city:
- Avoid low-lying bridges during flooding
- Only cross rivers at safe crossing points when it is safe to do so
- Keep out of open channels and rivers
- Never attempt to drive or run across flooding water
- Never underestimate flooded roads
- Adhere to road and bridge closures
