Johannesburg – Powerful storms have disrupted parts of Johannesburg, with fallen trees blocking roads, causing traffic chaos and damaging a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) vehicle.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a Level 5 storm warning for Gauteng, warning of flooding, hail, lightning and strong winds.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said waterlogged soil and strong winds had uprooted trees across the city.
VERIFIED: Footage of weather-damage to an apartment building in Linden, Johannesburg.
The incident occurred during the bout of heavy winds yesterday afternoon.
No injuries were reported, eight families were evacuated.
The neighbour who took the video told EWN… (below) KJ pic.twitter.com/jMHQpKAWV2
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 5, 2026
“Currently, Cooper and Beryl Street in Cyrildene, near Athlone Girls’ High School, is blocked due to a large tree that has fallen across the roadway, completely obstructing traffic flow,” Fihla said.
Other affected areas include Mayfair, Windsor and Witpoortjie, where a fallen tree struck a JMPD vehicle, forcing the closure of Glen William Street and Hendrik Boom Street.
Parts of the M1 have also been affected, with debris blocking the Smit Street on-ramp in Braamfontein and a fallen tree blocking the 11th Avenue off-ramp near Houghton.
STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT JEFFERSONEAST CENTRAL SCOTT AND NORTHWESTERN TRIMBLE COUNTIES THROUGH 530 AM EDT [wind: 40 MPH, hail: 0.00 IN] https://t.co/KwRzGrJpJZ pic.twitter.com/iW3C8ouRc8
— IEMBot LMK (@iembot_lmk) September 5, 2026
Fihla urged motorists to exercise caution, saying: “Wet roads significantly increase stopping distances.”
He advised drivers to keep a safe following distance, use headlights in heavy rain and avoid flooded roads.
“Turn around and seek an alternative route,” Fihla warned.
Emergency teams and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo have been deployed to clear fallen trees and debris, while motorists have been urged to give way to emergency crews.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
