Severe thunderstorm and flood warning for parts of Northern Cape on Thursday

A warning was issued for the likelihood of thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours which may result in localised flooding and damage to vulnerable infrastructure across parts of the Northern Cape on Thursday 30 April.

The MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong, is calling on all road users, motorists, and communities to exercise extreme vigilance following the warning for severe thunderstorms issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for especially Thursday.

Affected municipalities include Dikgatlong (including Barkly West, Windsorton and Delportshoop), Gamagara (including Kathu, Sishen, Dibeng, Dingleton and Olifantshoek), Ga-Segonyana (including Batlharos, Kuruman and Mothibistad), Joe Morolong (including Hotazel, Batlhaping and Van Zylsrus), Kgatelopele (including Daniëlskuil), and Magareng (including Warrenton).

This alert on the late afternoon of Wednesday 29 April comes as parts of the province’s road network are already severely affected by recent torrential rains.

Forecast for Thursday

For Thursday, the SAWS issued the following forecast for areas in and bordering the Northern Cape:

• Mahikeng: Cloudy and windy with scattered showers and thundershowers. Minimum/Maximum: 14/21
• Vryburg: Cloudy and windy, with widespread showers and thundershowers. Minimum/Maximum: 14/20
• Bloemfontein: Cloudy and windy, with widespread showers and thundershowers. Minimum/Maximum: 10/14
• Kimberley: Cloudy and windy with widespread showers and thundershowers. Minimum/Maximum: 11/14
• Upington: Cloudy and windy with widespread showers and thundershowers. Minimum/Maximum: 14/16

Routes already affected in JTG, Namakwa and ZF Mcgawu District

On Monday 27 April, the MEC visited the John Taolo Gaetsewe District to assess the extent of flood damage.

Affected routes in John Taolo Gaetsewe District

• MR0947: Heiso to Dithakong – The road is temporarily closed due to flooding between Heiso and Dithakong, affecting access to Colston. Motorists are advised to use the Damross route as an alternative.
• MR0952: Dithakong to Bothitong -Approximately 4.2 kilometre from Dithakong, a section of the road edge has been washed away. The road remains partially open, with one lane accessible.
• MR0948: Bendel to Ditshipeng -Two overflowing culverts have restricted access to schools and a local clinic. Warning signage has been installed.
• DR03493: Bothetheletsi – Flooding has rendered the gravel road muddy and slippery. A bridge has been cordoned off for safety. A temporary bypass has been created approximately 200 metres from the affected section.

Affected roads in the Namakwa District

• MR584/DR2306 : Fraserburg/Western Cape Border
• TR84/LUS10 : Near the N14
• DR2972 : Loeriesfontein/Granaatboskolk
• DR2976 : Brandvlei/Katkop
• DR2268 : Sutherland/Williston

Some roads have already been graded, while departmental teams remain on-site repairing washed-away sections and restoring access.

Affected roads in the ZF Mgcawu District

Continuous rainfall has caused significant damage to gravel roads, many of which are currently wet, muddy, and experiencing water ponding.

Heavy-duty vehicles, particularly trucks, are strongly advised not to use these roads to prevent accidents, further damage, and vehicles becoming stuck, especially in Kalahari areas.

Road damage assessments are currently underway, with response and relief efforts being coordinated in affected areas.

Utmost caution advised

Makatong urges all road users, motorists and communities to exercise the utmost caution during this period. Members of the public are strongly advised not to attempt crossing flooded roads, bridges or drifts. During thunderstorm conditions, residents are encouraged to stay indoors and keep away from metal objects, trees and tall structures.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any road damage or hazards to the Department of Roads and Public Works via the WhatsApp Hotline on 066 581 5626.

Furthermore, the MEC has directed that urgent and comprehensive assessments be conducted across all affected road sections. A dedicated response team has been established to consolidate field reports, coordinate interventions, and accelerate recovery efforts.

Departmental teams have been placed on high alert, and continuous monitoring of the situation is underway. Communities will be kept informed as restoration work progresses, said Zandisile Luphahla, media liaison officer.

ALSO READ: Severe storms batter Goldfields with heavy rain and hail

• Send your photos of rain in the Northern Cape to helena.barnard@novusmedia.co.za, telling us how much it rained and if any damage occured.