 (1).png){kind=spacer}
11 months ago
35
Motorists are urgent to be vigilant following heavy rains that hit most parts of the George Municipality and led to road closures.
- Heavy rains lead to road closures, flooding and mudslides on the Garden Route.
- Motorists have been warned to avoid being on the road unless absolutely necessary.
- The SA Weather Service warned of severe weather condition over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape.
Fire Services are removing fallen trees that blocked parts of the Garden Route as heavy rains, floods and mudslides cause havoc.
The George Municipality said it will take at least another two hours to clear Kaaimans Pass, and a stop and go is still in place on the N2 at the pass. "We will let the public know as soon as the road is fully cleared," the municipality said.
Heavy rains that lashed parts of the Garden Route led to major road closures on Saturday.
The N2 was closed at Kaaimans Pass after a mudslide. The George Municipality advised motorists travelling between Wilderness and George to use the Saasveld Road as an alternate route, however, that road has also since been closed as a result of fallen trees. It remains inaccessible.
"Sanral is addressing the problem," the municipality said.
"Motorists are warned to travel with caution and to avoid being on the roads unless absolutely necessary. Please do not attempt to cross low-lying bridges or flooded roads or bridges but rather use alternative routes."
READ | N1 reopens after flooding, but several Western Cape roads remain closed
The George Municipality warned motorists to monitor rising water levels and evacuate to a safer place or higher area when the water level rises.
The Mossel Bay Municipality's Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management is monitoring the situation following the heavy rains and updates will be provided on road closures and inaccessible areas.
Several rivers flooded, including the Great Brak River, and Kouma River in Ruiterbos.
Road closures are imminent on the Geelbeksvlei Road, Haelkraal Road, and the access road to Leeukloof.
"Motorists are urged to travel with caution and to consider taking alternative routes," the municipality warned.
On Friday, the SA Weather Services warned that significant rainfall over the Western and Eastern Cape was expected. It added that the extreme weather conditions may also produce some severe thunderstorms, with appropriate warnings issued for Saturday.
"Whilst cut-off lows are typically efficient producers of rain, often of a heavy nature, these systems also have a reputation for causing widespread severe weather such as flooding, heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms," it said.
"Widespread showers and thundershowers can be expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape [on Saturday], shifting eastwards on Sunday, when continuing to affect the Eastern Cape."
