Gauteng weather warning UPGRADED to Level 4: Road flooding alert

The Gauteng government is stepping in to warn residents and drivers to brace for floods and dangerous conditions on the road. The Gauteng weather alert comes after the South African Weather Service issued a Yellow Level 2 warning of widespread disruptive rain and thundershowers. On Saturday afternoon, the warning was upgraded to Level 4.

Gauteng weather: Possible floods, floods and more floods

The Weather Service says widespread 80% showers will run from 12PM to midnight into Sunday. Projections estimate as much as 25 to 45MM of rainfall. This is likely to result in flooding in some areas.

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SAWS is also warning of poor driving visibility and pooling of water on major roads. The weather service says there is “some uncertainty” in the forecast. In particular, the amount of rainfall.

This could mean that things are even worse than expected.

A warning for road users

Gauteng Public Transport and Road Infrastructure MEC Jacob Mamabolo is also sounding the alarm bells. He is warning of flooded bridges and roads in low-lying areas.

“Road users are once again reminded that such conditions present unique challenges that include reduced visibility, reduced steering ability, reduced traction as well as increased time and space to bring vehicles to a stop. The Department will continue to monitor provincial routes that are prone to flooding and debris.”

Jacob Mamabolo

The department’s emergency road maintenance teams are already on standby to provide assistance to disaster management services. Mamabolo says the team is specifically prepared for excessive flooding and damage to roads.

The Gauteng weather is not going to be something you try and drive in on Saturday evening. From 5PM, Johannesburg is set to be hit with 98% rainfall.