Johannesburg residents are being urged to prepare for a difficult and potentially dangerous weekend, with severe weather expected to collide with major road closures and traffic disruptions across the city.
A significant storm system is forecast to move over Gauteng from Saturday, while several of Johannesburg’s busiest roads and highways will be temporarily shut down as part of security operations ahead of the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Severe Weather Alert for Gauteng
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is warning that a powerful cut-off low pressure system is moving into the province between Saturday, 15 November, and Monday, 17 November.
According to SAWS, Johannesburg should expect:
-
Severe thunderstorms
-
Strong and damaging winds
-
Frequent lightning
-
Heavy downpours and flash flooding
-
Dangerous driving conditions
-
A sharp drop in daytime temperatures
Rain forecasts of 60% to 80% indicate a strong likelihood of persistent showers and sudden, intense cloudbursts throughout the weekend.
Weather forecasters warn that low-lying areas, busy intersections, and neighbourhoods with poor drainage are at particular risk of flooding. Motorists are urged to avoid flooded roads and exercise extreme caution.
Storm Timeline
Saturday, 15 November:
Thunderstorms begin building in the morning and intensify in the afternoon. Widespread rain is expected across Johannesburg as the system pushes into Gauteng.
Sunday, 16 November:
Persistent showers, thunderstorms and much cooler temperatures continue throughout the day.
Monday, 17 November:
Lingering rain and cold conditions remain as the system slowly shifts eastward.
Major Road Closures on Saturday
Compounding the difficult weather, several major routes will be affected on Saturday between 9:00 and 13:00, as Johannesburg prepares for next weekend’s G20 Leaders’ Summit.
The operation is being carried out by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), in partnership with Gauteng Traffic Police and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
Authorities say the road closures and lane restrictions are necessary to test security plans and ensure readiness for the international event.
Highways Affected
-
N1
-
M1
-
N12
Major Urban Routes Affected
-
5th Street
-
Maude Street
-
Daisy Street
-
Rivonia Road
-
Grayston Drive
-
Katherine Street
-
Whiteley Road
-
Melrose Boulevard
-
Athol Oaklands Road
-
Oxford Road
-
Glenhove Road
-
Jan Smuts Avenue
-
Winnie Mandela Drive
-
Hendrick Potgieter Road
-
Rand Show Road
-
Nasrec Road
-
Golden Highway (Nasrec)
The RTMC says traffic officers will be stationed across these key corridors, and motorists should expect delays, detours and stop-and-go traffic control.
Recommended Alternative Routes
The RTMC is urging motorists to plan ahead and use the following alternative roads where possible:
Roodepoort:
-
Beyers Naudé Drive
-
Christiaan de Wet Road
-
Ontdekkers Road
Fourways:
-
Main Road
-
Cedar Road
-
Witkoppen Road
Sandton, Rosebank & Parktown:
-
Corlett Drive
-
Sandton Drive
-
11th Avenue
South of Johannesburg (Riverlea, Nasrec, Ormonde View):
-
Chris Hani Road
-
Main Reef Road
-
Crownwood Road
-
Soweto Highway
-
N17
-
Aerodrome Road
-
Adcock Ingram Road
Authorities say clear signage and real-time warnings will be in place, and emergency and essential services will always be granted access.
What Joburgers Should Expect This Weekend
With severe storms and significant traffic disruptions expected at the same time, residents are encouraged to:
-
Avoid non-essential travel, especially on Saturday
-
Leave home early if travel is unavoidable
-
Stay off flooded roads and avoid crossing running water
-
Monitor official weather and traffic alerts
-
Prepare for possible power outages
-
Secure outdoor items and stay indoors during thunderstorms
Johannesburg’s weekend is shaping up to be wet, cold and heavily disrupted, with weather-related risks likely to slow down movement across the city.