Heavy downpours lashed the KwaZulu-Natal coast on Friday morning, resulting in widespread flooding across Durban and surrounding areas. Several major routes have been waterlogged, with authorities warning motorists to exercise extreme caution.
Multiple incidents of localised flooding have been reported in central Durban, with roads including the N3 near Brickfield, N2 South, and M4 near Riverside heavily impacted by standing water. A multi-vehicle collision was reported on the M4 near the Riverside off-ramp in Durban North, attributed to dangerous puddles accumulating on the roadway.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said, “There’s significant flooding on key routes. We’re also receiving reports of blocked drains and concerns over rising water levels in Sydenham. The eThekwini Fire Department is currently assessing homes in the area.”
Jamieson urged commuters to avoid flooded routes and bridges, emphasizing that “anywhere with low-lying surfaces and water accumulation should be treated with extreme caution.”
Vehicles have been moving at a crawl through critical intersections, including the N2/M19 Umgeni junction, North Coast Road, M13 at Fields Hill, and South Coast Road. Routes on the Berea have also been affected by the torrential rain.
PT Alarms spokesperson Dhevan Govindsamy confirmed their teams are on high alert. “Adams Road in Amanzimtoti is currently underwater, and the N2 northbound near Galleria is waterlogged. We’re also monitoring the M4 southbound just before Jacobs, where water has pooled dangerously.”
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for disruptive rainfall across large parts of KZN. Forecaster Wiseman Dlamini said rainfall between 60% and 80% probability is expected over coastal districts and adjacent interior regions.
“The coastal regions – including Ugu, iLembe, King Cetshwayo, and eThekwini – are at high risk,” Dlamini warned. “Inland areas will also experience moderate rainfall, particularly the western parts of the province.”
Affected Areas Include:
- M7 Eastbound (after Bellville): Severe potholes across all lanes
- M4 Southbound (near Virginia Airport): Large pools of water
- M4 Offramp (Hyper by the Sea): Flooded
- M4 Riverside: Right lane submerged
- Blue Lagoon (after the garage): Waterlogged
- N2 North (opposite Arbor Crossing): Flooded
- N2 South (near Galleria): Major puddles reported
- N2 near NPC: Torrential rain and poor visibility
- Southern Freeway (after Jacobs over-ramp): Standing water
- Kingsway High School Bridge: Puddle accumulation
- Andrew Zondo Rd (Prospecton/SPCA): Dislodged drain covers, damaged road
- Umgeni Rd (Alpine to CBD): Flooding with continued downpour
- Quality St, Jacobs (S-bend): Truck crash and road obstruction
- Calendula Rd, Craigieburn: Flooded near Engen station
- Batstones Bridge (Umtentweni): Passable with caution
- Bremar Ave (near Neighbourhood Café): Flooded dip
- M13 (Pinetown to Durban): Large water patches
- N3 (into Durban): Limited visibility due to rain
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel and remain alert for sudden flooding, debris, or potential road closures as rainfall persists throughout the day. Emergency services remain on standby.