The Free State Road Incident Management System has issued a warning for possible flooding on the N5 highway near Sandspruit. Heavy rainfall is forecast over the weekend, prompting advice for drivers to take extra precautions. An orange level 5 alert for severe thunderstorms covers the Free State and North West provinces from March 6, 2026.
Motorists traveling on the N5 in the Free State are urged to be cautious due to the risk of flooding over the Sandspruit, past Paul Roux and towards Senekal. The warning comes from the Free State Road Incident Management System (RIMS), which highlighted expected heavy rainfall throughout the weekend.
The South African Weather Service has issued an orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms, affecting the Free State and North West provinces. This alert is valid from March 6, 2026. As noted in a tweet from the service, the conditions could lead to significant disruptions.
RIMS Chairperson Sipho Towa recommended that drivers avoid flooded areas where possible, reduce their speed, and increase their following distance to enhance safety. For any incidents or flooding observations, road users can report via the Free State RIMS WhatsApp line at +27 66 444 4164 or the national emergency number 112, including location pins, pictures, and descriptions.
This advisory aims to prevent accidents amid the adverse weather, building on broader concerns about flooding in the region.