Friday showers: motorists warned to be alert at low water bridges

While the low water bridge in Captial Park was flooded following showers early on Friday morning, emergency services were monitoring the situation which had calmed down.

Tshwane emergency services management spokesperson Charles Mabaso said that low water bridges, especially around the Centurion area, were currently being monitored and “at the moment flowing very well”.

“The low water bridges at Nellmapius Road in Irene and on the corner of Rabie and End streets are being monitored,” Mabaso said.

“No incidents have been reported of possible flooding, but three accidents have been reported relating to the wet weather conditions this morning.

“No injuries were sustained or reported,” he said.

Mabaso said that emergency services were set to remain on high alert to any incidents that may be related to the weather conditions.

“We call upon drivers to be cautious, observe road conditions and drive at a considerable speed to ensure safe driving or following distance,” he said.

“We also call upon households to be extra vigilant when using heating devices.

“It must be done or carried out in a manner that is safe and that everything relating to electricity or any other equipment that is used for heating, should be taken care of given the facts that it is school holidays,” Mabaso said.

“Due to the heavy rainfalls, children should be monitored at all times to ensure that everybody in the household remains safe during this period.”

SA Weather forecaster Venicia Phakula said that it seemed the rain will be lifting slightly on Friday afternoon but will continue throughout the evening.

“From Friday onwards, we’ll see a significant drop in temperatures in Pretoria.

“There’s a 30% chance of rain with a maximum of 19°C,” she said.

Cold conditions will persist throughout Saturday with a peak of 20°C.

Phakula said no rain was predicted for Sunday, but temperatures will remain in the low 20s.

Local ward councillor Elma Nel said that alternative routes should be used at the low-water bridge in Capital Park.

“Road users should not attempt to cross the low water bridge and any other stream where the water has swelled above normal.

“They should rather use alternative routes and avoid the area as the bridge is overflowing,” she said.

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