The South African Weather Services calls on citizens to be vigilant and avoid the roads today as heavy rain leading to flooding is “observed over City of Johannesburg, Ekruhuleni, West Rand and Sedibeng”.

Earlier today, a weather alert issued for heavy rain and localised flooding in Brakpan, Tsakane, Spings, Boksburg and KwaThema, as well as Midvaal and Lesedi local municipal areas.

Watch: Flooding in Johannesburg

Here’s a preview of the flooding in Johannesburg. More photos and videos can be found further down.

This follows after alerts were issued for large parts of city on Friday 6 February. City Power’s Isaac Mangena told Jacaranda FM that the department has been dealing with high call volumes, and adds:

“[…] 614 calls were logged by 7:00 in the morning with almost three-quarters of those coming from the Roodepoort area [West Rand, Johannesburg].”

Johannesburg road closures – 8 February 2020

Due to wet weather conditions across large parts of Johannesburg, motorists are urged tor reduce speed, increase following distance and turn on headlights.

Road safety

If you happen to be on the road during a thunder or lightning storm, adhere to the rules of the road at all times. Heavy rain creates dangerous road conditions and it is advised to pull over and find shelter if possible.

In addition, pooling on roads causes slippery conditions. Severe thunderstorms bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, hail, urban flooding, visibility of hail and severe lightning.

If you do pull over, remember to turn the engine off and keep your hazard lights on to warn other motorists that your vehicle is stationary.

It’s a myth that your rubber tyres offer protection from a lightning strike so ensure that you don’t touch anything metal inside the car.

Photo and video gallery

Flooding under the bridge in Fort Street Bloemfontein just next to to the Majakathata Long Distance Taxi rank #bloemtwitter pic.twitter.com/EFyDIz3mRm — Obakeng… (@OJS_Phiri) February 8, 2020 Flooding in Johannesburg north. pic.twitter.com/A93Tg5Rnf5 — NoVic (@BantuBusters) February 8, 2020