The Huguenot Tunnel, South Africa’s longest road tunnel, has been closed to heavy motor vehicles as damaging winds batter the Western Cape.

It is located on the tolled N1 route between Paarl and Worcester.

According to an operator at the control centre, the tunnel remains open to light motor vehicles. The woman, who declined to be named, said motorists travelling on the toll route through the Du Toitskloof mountains should contact the control centre’s 24/7 number on 021 877 5400 for operational updates.

Trucks apparently blown over

Several unverified videos circulating on social media appear to show trucks overturned on roads across the province, with posts claiming strong winds were responsible.

‘SA long-distance truckers’ posted this Facebook video, stating the incident happened on the R101 between Rawsonville and Worcester:

Other posts on their page show trucks on their sides, reportedly on the N2 near Sir Lowry’s Pass towards Grabouw, as well as about 2km outside Riversdale in the Swellendam area:

Caxton Network News spoke to Tarren-Lee Michel from Theewaterskloof Municipality, who confirmed that Sir Lowry’s Pass is open, despite some confusion. She said an outdated statement from 2023 is circulating online and urged motorists to look out for official statements on their Facebook page. She explained that posts will include dates and time stamps.

A spokesperson from the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s Western Cape offices told Caxton Network News that a discussion with various stakeholders will be held at midday and that a confirmation on which roads are affected will be issued thereafter.

Weather warnings

A statement by the Western Cape Government said parts of the province are on high alert following an Orange Level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

Official road closures for the different areas can be accessed here.

Schools closed

According to the George Herald, a decision has been taken to close all schools in the Western Cape tomorrow (May 12), following consultation with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and SAWS.

According to the article, as of 13:30 today, 227 schools had applied for closure, in addition to the closure list issued for the Cape Winelands, Eden, and Central Karoo districts.

Many schools have suffered storm damage.

Havoc caused by wind

A Facebook post by George Herald noted that SAWS reports its impact-based warnings for today remain on track, with additional warnings issued for more rain and strong winds in the Garden Route tomorrow.

Powerful winds and gusts will continue throughout today along the coast and large parts of the interior.

Warnings for people to remain indoors have been sounded, with warnings that winds are causing damage and dangerous conditions.

Weather outlook

SAWS’s weather alerts and forecast for tomorrow indicate that severe weather is expected to continue:

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