SAWS Warns Gauteng of More Severe Storms As Flooding and Flight Diversions Hit Johannesburg
- The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 5 warning for Gauteng on Monday, 7 September 2026
- Johannesburg has already experienced flooding, with submerged cars already reported, and several OR Tambo-bound flights diverted
- The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services urged motorists to reduce speed and avoid flooded roads and low bridges
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — Gauteng has already been battered by severe weather, but there is more to come.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has placed Gauteng under an Orange Level 5 warning, with severe thunderstorms forecast to hit on Monday, 7 September 2026
The warning covers the entire Gauteng province, except the Tshwane Metro. SAWS has indicated a 60% probability of rainfall, with identified threats including damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning. Disruptions to infrastructure and services have also been flagged as a risk.
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Johannesburg already hit by severe storms
Conditions in Gauteng had already deteriorated before the formal warning was issued. Severe storms over the weekend caused flooding across parts of the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD), with submerged vehicles reported in affected areas.
The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) confirmed that two days of persistent rainfall had left roads wet and slippery. At the same time, water levels in rivers and streams across the city rose significantly.
Several flights bound for OR Tambo International Airport were diverted as adverse weather disrupted operations.
EMS urges extreme caution on the roads
EMS Public Relations and Communications Manager Robert Mulaudzi appealed directly to motorists.
"We are pleading with motorists to continue exercising caution while driving, extend their following distance and avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges," Mulaudzi said.
He urged drivers to reduce their speed and adapt their behaviour to the deteriorating conditions on the roads, particularly near low-lying bridges that are vulnerable to flash flooding.
Residents in Gauteng have been advised to monitor official weather updates and avoid unnecessary travel during the warning period on Monday morning.
Other weather-related stories in South Africa
Briefly News reported that South Africa is no stranger to weather warnings, as the country is often affected by different phenomena.
- In March 2025, an Orange Level 5 weather warning was issued for KZN as the province was battered by heavy rainfall.
- In June 2025, the rain was replaced by snow as SAWS warned of severe weather for the Eastern Cape and even KZN.
- Two months later, an increase in temperatures across the country led to several warnings of wildfires.
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Source: Briefly News
