Severe thunderstorms driven by an intense cut-off low have battered parts of Gauteng, North West and the Northern Cape, leaving roads closed, homes damaged and motorists stranded in high water over the weekend.
Widespread impacts as tropical moisture feeds storms
The system pulled tropical moisture into the interior, producing heavy rain, hail, strong winds and a sudden drop in temperature in several provinces. Storm-related hazards persisted into Sunday, with the national weather service keeping warnings in place for multiple regions and authorities continuing to respond to incidents on the ground.
In Johannesburg, sustained downpours caused localised flooding at the intersection of Siemert Road and Currey Street in Doornfontein. Several vehicles became submerged and immobilised in the high water, and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) was on scene assisting motorists and directing traffic away from the area.
"If you encounter submerged roads or high standing water, turn around immediately,"
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said officers were managing traffic and helping stranded drivers. Elsewhere in the metro, strong winds felled a tree onto a JMPD vehicle in Witpoortjie and road closures were reported in several suburbs, including parts of Cyrildene, Windsor and along the M1 interchanges.
Warnings and expected trajectory
Warnings issued by the weather service covered central and northeastern districts through Sunday, with the agency placing some areas on elevated alert levels. Officials expected conditions to begin easing on Monday as the system weakens.
| Area | Warning level | Main hazards |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern parts of the country | Yellow (Level 4) | Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning |
| Extreme north-eastern parts | Orange (Level 6) | Intense thunderstorms, flash flooding, damaging winds |
Local responses and safety advice
Traffic authorities urged drivers to exercise caution and avoid flooded sections where possible. The JMPD emphasised slowing down, maintaining a safe following distance and keeping headlights on in heavy rain. Road users were also warned against attempting to drive through standing water.
- Do not drive through submerged roads — turn around and find an alternate route.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance in rain and spray.
- Keep headlights on and avoid sudden braking; watch for debris and fallen trees.
- If stranded, switch on hazard lights and remain with the vehicle until help arrives.
Emergency services in affected provinces continued to clear debris, assist motorists and assess damage to homes and infrastructure. Reports from the Northern Cape and North West described property damage caused by strong winds and hail in some communities.
What to expect next
Meteorologists said the cut-off low has produced intense, concentrated bursts of severe weather because of the moisture it drew northwards, increasing the chance of flash floods and frequent lightning. While the worst of the system was forecast to pass by Monday, lingering showers and cooler temperatures were expected in some districts into the early working week.
Residents in areas under warnings should stay updated through official channels and local authorities. Those planning travel should check route conditions and public-transport notices, as the storms caused road closures in several urban areas and may disrupt services.
Authorities have reiterated that personal safety should take priority over property. In the immediate aftermath, municipal teams and emergency services will assess and prioritise repairs to restore safe movement and basic services.
Further updates will follow as provincial departments and the national weather service release additional information and as clearance operations progress.
