Flooded roads and snowfall hit parts of Eastern Cape

Motorists travelling through parts of the Eastern Cape are being urged to exercise extreme caution as flooding and snowfall continue to affect several areas across the province.

The Eastern Cape Department of Transport said it is closely monitoring adverse weather conditions, which have already resulted in multiple flood-related road closures, particularly at low-lying bridges in farming areas around Joubertina and nearby towns.

In the Gqeberha metro, the N2 towards John Tallant is currently inaccessible due to flooding. Traffic officers have been deployed to affected areas to manage traffic flow and assist motorists.

The department warned drivers to obey instructions from law enforcement officials and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads or bridges.

“Fast-flowing water poses a serious risk and has the potential to sweep vehicles away,” the department said.

Meanwhile, snowfall has been reported in several high-lying parts of the province, including Lootsberg Pass near Middelburg, Wapadsberg near Cradock, as well as areas around Lady Grey and the Robert Sobukwe region.

Despite the snow, transport authorities confirmed that all major mountain passes remain open at this stage and there are currently no road closures linked directly to snowfall.

The department said conditions could still change rapidly depending on rainfall and temperatures over the coming hours and days.

Motorists travelling through affected areas have been advised to reduce speed, increase following distances, switch on headlights where visibility is poor, and avoid unnecessary travel unless essential.

Authorities said further updates would be issued as conditions develop across the province.