Heavy rains and snow snarl Gauteng roads, accidents reported

Heavy rains, light snowfall, and treacherous road conditions have caused multiple accidents across Ekurhuleni, prompting the Metropolitan Police Department to issue urgent safety warnings. Gauteng is expected to be cloudy and cold with scattered showers and thundershowers, which has affected road conditions and visibility. Motorists were warned on Tuesday to reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance, use headlights in poor visibility, and avoid crossing flooded roads or bridges during the worst of the cold snap.

From the early hours of Tuesday, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department responded to three road incidents caused by adverse weather conditions. One motor vehicle overturned, resulting in injuries, according to EMPD spokesperson Thabiso Makgato. The EMPD urged all motorists to exercise extreme caution on wet roads and adhere to road safety rules.

Motorists were advised to maintain a safe following distance, reduce speed, avoid abrupt braking, switch on headlights, check wiper functionality, keep tyre tread depth at a minimum of 1.6 mm, and avoid low-lying bridges, water puddles, and flooded areas. Any incidents or breakdowns should be reported to the EMPD 24-hour Contact Centre at 011 999 1920 or 011 999 2093.

The Gauteng provincial government has also urged residents to prioritize safety as icy rain, plunging temperatures, and hazardous road conditions prevail. Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga warned against illegal power connections, unsafe heating methods, and reckless travel during the cold snap. He emphasized that the combination of rain, cold conditions, and wet roads may pose additional risks for motorists, pedestrians, and vulnerable communities.