The severe weather hammering parts of the Western Cape has forced the closure of the N1 near Worcester, triggered evacuations in flood-prone communities, and created dangerous driving conditions that have already seen at least seven trucks blown over by powerful winds.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde issued an urgent transport advisory warning motorists and truck drivers that the N1 at Worcester, together with several mountain passes along the escarpment, remains closed until further notice.
The closures are severely affecting freight movement and traffic flow into and out of Cape Town, with authorities urging drivers to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.
“The Western Cape Government strongly advises anyone currently using the N1 towards Cape Town to find a safe place to stop and sleep until a more direct route opens up,” Winde said.
A Cape Town traffic department officer also issued a warning to transport operators after another truck accident linked to the extreme winds.
N3 warning issued after strong winds overturn truck on Van Reenen Pass
“Good morning members, just take note all routes in, out and around Worcester are totally closed and remain closed. Please don’t send your trucks as we had another accident whereby the wind had blown over a truck,” the officer warned.
The dangerous weather conditions have also led to the closure of Michell’s Pass following heavy rockfalls.
Witzenberg Municipality confirmed that emergency teams were dispatched to assess the situation and assist affected motorists.
The municipality further revealed that active evacuations are currently underway in The Eiland, Ceres, Strathbreede in Wolseley, and areas behind the provincial hospital as emergency crews respond to worsening conditions.
“Our emergency teams are all hands on deck busy with active evacuations,” the municipality said in a statement, urging residents to remain calm and report emergencies to the municipal emergency control room.
Authorities warned that strong winds, flooding risks, rockfalls, and poor visibility continue to pose a major danger to motorists, particularly heavy-duty trucks travelling through exposed mountain passes and rural roads.
For motorists who absolutely need to travel towards Cape Town, the Western Cape Government has suggested several emergency diversion routes:
• From Victoria West, divert via the R63 and R67 through Loxton, Fraserburg, Williston, Calvinia, Nieuwoudtville, and Vanrhynsdorp before joining the N7.
• Before Beaufort West, divert via the R381 through Loxton, Fraserburg, Williston, Calvinia, Nieuwoudtville, and Vanrhynsdorp towards the N7.
• At Leeu Gamka, use the R353 through Loxton, Fraserburg, Williston, Calvinia, Nieuwoudtville, and Vanrhynsdorp before reconnecting with the N7.
• After Touws River and Kleinstraat, divert via the R318 through Montagu and Ashton towards the N2 through Swellendam and Grabouw into Cape Town.
Authorities warned that some of these roads are narrow, have no shoulders, include single-lane bridge sections, and may not be suitable for heavy traffic volumes.
Truck drivers and fleet operators are being urged to delay trips where possible and monitor official traffic updates until conditions improve and major routes are reopened.
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