RTMC Issues Urgent Warning as Flooding and Heavy Rain Force Road Closures in SA

“Severe weather conditions are expected to continue in the Garden Route and the surrounding areas today after heavy winds, rain, and flooding occurred,” the RTMC said.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has issued an urgent warning to motorists after heavy rainfall, flooding and severe weather conditions forced the closure of multiple roads across parts of South Africa, with authorities cautioning that conditions could worsen in affected regions.

In a statement released on Thursday, the RTMC confirmed that roads in several provinces — including the Eastern Cape, North West and parts of the Western Cape — have been severely impacted by persistent rainfall and flooding.

Among the hardest-hit areas are the:

• Overberg region

• Garden Route

• Central Karoo

where heavy rain, strong winds and rising floodwaters have disrupted transport networks and created dangerous driving conditions.

Severe Weather Expected to Continue

Authorities warned that adverse weather conditions are expected to persist, particularly across the Garden Route and surrounding coastal regions.

"Severe weather conditions are expected to continue in the Garden Route and the surrounding areas today after heavy winds, rain, and flooding occurred," the RTMC said.

Emergency response teams and traffic authorities are monitoring conditions closely as flooding continues to affect roads, bridges and low-lying areas.

The warning comes amid broader weather-related disruptions already impacting parts of the Garden Route National Park and several municipalities across the Western Cape.

Motorists Warned Against Crossing Flooded Roads

The RTMC strongly urged motorists to avoid attempting to drive through flooded roads, warning that fast-moving water and hidden structural damage can quickly become fatal.

"Motorists are further advised not to cross flooded roads," authorities warned.

Road safety officials say many flood-related road fatalities occur when drivers underestimate water depth or attempt to navigate submerged roadways.

Floodwaters can also conceal:

• Washed-away road surfaces

• Deep potholes

• Collapsed culverts

• Debris and fallen trees

• Strong undercurrents

The RTMC appealed to road users to remain patient, follow official notices and cooperate with emergency personnel and traffic management authorities.

Authorities Stress Road Safety Amid Dangerous Conditions

With weather-related risks continuing to escalate, authorities urged motorists to exercise maximum caution and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.

"Motorists are urged to cooperate and comply with official notices and comply with all the rules of the road. It is always better to arrive home late than not to arrive at all," the RTMC said.

Traffic officials are advising motorists to:

• Avoid non-essential travel in affected areas

• Reduce speed during heavy rainfall

• Maintain safe following distances

• Use headlights in poor visibility conditions

• Monitor official traffic updates

• Avoid low-lying bridges and river crossings

Flooding Adds Pressure to South Africa's Infrastructure

The latest severe weather event once again highlights the vulnerability of South Africa's road infrastructure to extreme rainfall and climate-related disruptions.

Several provinces have in recent years experienced:

• Flood-damaged roads

• Bridge collapses

• Landslides

• Coastal erosion

• Infrastructure washaways

• Storm-related transport disruptions

Climate experts warn that increasingly frequent extreme weather events are placing growing pressure on municipal and provincial infrastructure systems.

Garden Route Among Worst Affected Areas

The Garden Route region has emerged as one of the areas most severely affected by the ongoing storms.

Flooding and storm damage have already disrupted:

• National park access routes

• Hiking trails

• Estuary systems

• Municipal roads

• Tourism infrastructure

SANParks and local authorities are continuing cleanup and restoration operations across affected areas while emergency teams monitor changing weather conditions.

Emergency Services on High Alert

Provincial disaster management teams, municipal emergency services and transport authorities remain on high alert as weather systems continue moving through affected regions.

Authorities are expected to continue issuing updates regarding:

• Road closures

• Flood risks

• Weather warnings

• Evacuation advisories where necessary

• Infrastructure damage assessments

Motorists have been urged to rely on verified official information channels before travelling.

Tourism and Transport Sectors Monitoring Situation Closely

The ongoing weather disruptions are also being closely monitored by the tourism and logistics sectors, particularly in the Garden Route region, one of South Africa's most important tourism destinations.

Road closures and flooding may impact:

• Tourist travel

• Freight movement

• Public transport routes

• Local business operations

• Access to rural communities

Authorities say restoring road access and ensuring public safety remain the immediate priority.