The Newcastle Municipality has called on motorists to steer clear of Umfolozi (Amcor) Road, which remains closed after continuous rainfall caused flooding yesterday (November 16).

Residents are urged not to walk or drive through the affected area and to use alternative routes until further notice.

The municipality also cautioned drivers to remain vigilant across the town.

“Please note that many unnoticeable potholes are forming as a result of the heavy rains, so motorists must remain alert and drive with caution,” a municipal spokesperson said.

As rainfall persists, the municipality has issued the following safety tips for driving in wet weather:

Never:

• Drive through deep floodwater. If it is deeper than 10cm or fast-flowing, it is likely to stall your engine and leave you stranded.
• Drive past ‘road closed’ signs – they are there for your safety.
• Drive through deep or fast-flowing water – turn back and choose a different route.

Always:

• Check your brakes if you suspect they may be wet.
• Check for road closures and flooding updates before starting your journey.
• Pay close attention to the road; flash floods can change conditions rapidly.
• Keep a torch and high-visibility jacket in your car.

Remember:

• Every vehicle is different and can handle different water depths; 10cm is widely recognised as the average safe maximum.
• It takes only 30cm of floodwater to move a car, and around 60cm for a vehicle to float.
• That driving through any water can flood your engine and potentially write off your vehicle.
• It is sometimes safer to wait for floodwater to subside.

Before driving through shallow water, please also remember to:

• Check for an alternative route that avoids floodwater altogether.
• Check the water depth – anything deeper than 10cm is considered deep and driving through it is not advised.
• Allow oncoming vehicles to pass first, as their bow wave may flood your car.
• Drive slowly in first gear at around 10 to 15km.

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