The City of Cape Town is struggling mightily to cope with the sheer magnitude of rain that fell – and that continues to fall – on Tuesday in the Mother City.
The rain brought widespread reports of severe flooding and traffic chaos.
Several roads have been turned into rivers, while mudslides and grid-locked traffic is causing mayhem in several suburbs.
Motorists have been urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely essential.
The traffic in and out of the CBD this afternoon is expected to be chaotic.
Flood hotspots and road closures include:
- Nelson Mandela Boulevard inbound, just after Newmarket Street, is submerged and hazardous.
- N1 inbound at Durban Road has seen its right lane shut due to flooding.
- Multiple trouble spots on the N2 outbound:
- Between Robert Sobukwe Road and Airport Approach Road
- At Liesbeek Parkway, where the right lane is obstructed
- Boys Drive heading toward Kalk Bay is partially flooded near the speed camera – the left lane is closed.
- Baden Powell Drive remains one of the worst-hit stretches:
- Between JK Masemola/Macassar Road and the N2 (eastbound)
- At Sunrise Boulevard, going westbound toward Muizenberg
- Motorists are warned to reduce speed and watch for deep water and poor visibility.
Further flooding and congestion alerts include:
- Ou Kaapse Weg direction Tokai, between the S-Bend and Steenberg Road – expect heavy delays.
- Kommetjie Road is waterlogged, with reduced driving visibility.
- Main Road between Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek is severely flooded in multiple areas:
- At Glencairn, vehicles are making U-turns
- Near Harbour Bay Mall and the Kelp Factory, mudslides have been reported
- The Simon’s Town train station and Glencairn Beach area are completely flooded
- Prince George Drive, from Nando’s in Grassy Park to Lavender Hill, has been overwhelmed with floodwaters.
Authorities continue to monitor flood-prone areas and emergency services are responding to calls across the metro.
Residents are advised to delay travel, stay indoors, and report any dangerous conditions or blocked storm water drains to the City of Cape Town’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from their cellphone.
The forecast is for more rain throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
The outlook for Wednesday is better, but overcast and windy, while Thursday temperatures should warm up with no rainfall expected.
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