Cape Town roads submerged as severe cold front triggers widespread flooding

Cape Town is battling severe weather conditions after a powerful cold front swept across the city, leaving several roads flooded and prompting emergency teams to remain on high alert. Authorities have urged residents and motorists to exercise extreme caution as heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerously low temperatures continue to impact parts of the Western Cape.

The City of Cape Town confirmed that heavy downpours have caused flooding on multiple roadways, creating hazardous driving conditions and slowing traffic in affected areas. The City’s Disaster Coordinating Team has been activated to monitor developments and coordinate emergency responses as the weather system intensifies. While no major incidents had been reported at the time of publication, officials warned that conditions could worsen over the coming days.

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Sonica Lategan urged drivers to reduce speed, increase following distances, and switch on headlights to improve visibility in the wet conditions.

“We urge motorists to drive with caution and avoid flooded roads wherever possible. Emergency services remain on standby to assist where necessary,” she said.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rainfall across Cape Town, with an Orange Level 8 alert in place for surrounding mountainous regions including Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Breede Valley, and parts of the Overberg. The warning indicates a high risk of flooding, mudslides, and fast-flowing rivers that could endanger lives and damage infrastructure.

In addition to flooding, strong to gale-force winds and rough sea conditions are expected along the coast between Lambert’s Bay and Plettenberg Bay, raising concerns for coastal damage and dangerous navigation at sea.

The cold front has already forced the cancellation of public events, including Cape Town’s highly anticipated Absa Run Your City 10K, as authorities prioritise public safety amid the severe weather.

The latest weather emergency comes as South Africa grapples with widespread storm damage across several provinces. A national disaster has been declared in six provinces following recent flooding, storms, and snowfall that have claimed lives and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated through official weather alerts as the storm system is expected to persist until at least Tuesday.

Emergency teams remain on standby as Cape Town braces for more rain, with officials warning that the full impact of the cold front may only become clear in the coming days.