SAWS says in a statement these rains could lead to floods.  

The warning comes as thousands of people are expected to be part of Easter weekend festivities and travel across the two provinces. 

ALSO READ: Collapsed Kraaipan Bridge in North West affecting thousands

The Free State and North West have recently suffered the destruction of road infrastructure due to disruptive rain. 

In January 2022, a bridge collapsed and hospitals were flooded in the North West, with livestock in Taung swept away by heavy rain.

ALSO READ: #Floods: Another day, another FS road closed

In February, OFM News reported that the S44 road between Heilbron and Deneysville in the Free State had to be temporarily closed due to the impact of heavy rainfall after some layers of the road were washed away and needed fixing.

These rains come as family members of the victims of floods in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) are still reeling from the devastating loss of lives and properties. Over 300 people have since been declared dead due to the floods with many still missing. 

ALSO READ: #KZNfloods: Shongweni Dam 'has not collapsed’

SAWS have also further warned that the province can still experience heavy rain.

"Disruptive rain leading to further damage to roads, bridges, properties, flooding of susceptible formal/informal settlements as well as mudslides are expected over the southern and midlands of KZN," says SAWS in a statement.

Meanwhile, North West premier, Bushy Maape, has sent his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the KZN floods.

"Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of KwaZulu-Natal during this difficult period. We wish them courage, strength and fortitude in overcoming challenges brought by unbearable weather conditions which have led to the loss of life, destruction of property as well as infrastructure," Maape adds.

OFM News