The flooding, caused by heavy downpours since Wednesday (23/4), has significantly raised water levels, particularly affecting one side of the carriageway.

North West Community Safety and Transport Management spokesperson, Oshebeng Alpheus Koonyaditse, confirmed the closure of the affected lane, saying although traffic can still flow in both directions, only heavy vehicles are currently permitted to travel from Potchefstroom to Klerksdorp. 

Light motor vehicle drivers are advised to avoid the route for their own safety.

“Traffic officers are on site and closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of all road users,” said Koonyaditse.

Motorists are warned that the N12 between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp near Stilfontein is flooded and the road is submerged under water. Photo: Facebook

The South African Weather Service had earlier issued warnings of severe thunderstorms likely to bring heavy rainfall, flooding of roads and settlements, and potential damage to infrastructure, property, vehicles, and even livestock. These warnings particularly apply to parts of the Free State and North West provinces.

The current weather conditions are driven by a cut-off low system that made landfall over South Africa’s western interior on Wednesday. The system is expected to slowly move eastward and exit the country by Saturday.

According to SAWS, widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected across central and eastern regions, with rainfall in some eastern areas forecast to exceed 50 mm between Wednesday and Thursday. The weather service has also warned of possible disruptions to transport and emergency services, particularly in flood-prone regions.

Authorities are urging all motorists to stay updated on the latest traffic and weather alerts and to exercise extreme caution on the roads.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg