Water-logged: Severe storms batter Gauteng, North West and Northern Cape as roads close and homes suffer damage

Several vehicles became submerged in floodwater at the intersection of Siemert Road and Currey Street in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, as severe storms continued across South Africa.

The storms began affecting Gauteng, Free State and North West on Friday, 4 September, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and falling temperatures. Roads closed in Johannesburg, while homes and infrastructure suffered damage in parts of North West and Northern Cape. Heavy rain and storms continued across central and northeastern areas into Saturday evening.

Authorities issued Orange Level 5 and Yellow Level 4 warnings, followed by a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in eastern areas and an Orange Level 6 warning for the country’s extreme northeast. Conditions were expected to improve on Monday.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said officers were managing traffic, helping stranded motorists and diverting vehicles away from flooded roads. “If you encounter submerged roads or high standing water, turn around immediately,” he said. Motorists were also urged to slow down, keep a safe following distance and use headlights.

The weather was driven by an intense cut-off low-pressure system moving across the country. It pulled in tropical moisture, raising the risk of flash floods, damaging winds, hail and severe lightning. A tree fell onto a JMPD vehicle in Witpoortjie, while closures affected roads in Cyrildene, Windsor and near the M1 ramps. Emergency services placed specialised water-rescue units and disaster-monitoring teams on high alert across Gauteng.

Several homes in two villages more than 70 kilometres outside Mahikeng were damaged. In Setlagole, strong winds blew off some roofs, while rainfall caused additional damage inside houses. The South African Weather Service warned of severe thunderstorms in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and eastern Northern Cape.

“

If you encounter submerged roads or high standing water, turn around immediately.