Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says the N1 highway near Worcester in the Boland has been closed until further notice due to the impact of the inclement weather conditions.
Also see: Heavy winds cause havoc in the Western Cape region
Winde has urged motorists to find alternative routes because the closure will impact access to and from Cape Town.
He also said various passes along the escarpment are closed.
The alternative routes are Victoria West, diverted to R63 to R67, Loxton-Fraserburg-Williston-Calvinia-Nieuwoudtville-Vanrhynsdorp to N7.
Mr Winde advised that motorists can go via Leeu Gamka to divert to the R353 to Loxton-Fraserburg-Williston-Calvinia-Nieuwoudtville-Vanrhynsdorp or to the N7. Alternatively, they can divert to the R318 to Montagu-Ashton.
Western Cape – N1 Route: ROAD CLOSED
Paarl / Worcester via Huguenot tunnel
multiple alternative routes also closed
Check Before Travel #CapeStorm @TrafficSA pic.twitter.com/DYB7yiziTZ— TrafficSA (@TrafficSA) May 12, 2026
Also see: Extreme weather expected to continue in parts of South Africa
Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Charlotte Powell, said the assessment of the damage caused by the inclement weather in informal settlements is underway.
The impact of the gale-force winds and the heavy downpours has been extensive.
“Teams are attending to service faults; however, some reinstatements are being delayed as it is not safe for staff to operate in the very windy conditions. Our assessments in informal settlements are also continuing. Where assessments have been completed, we have activated our NGO partners to provide immediate soft relief. The impacts from the frontal systems have been extensive, and teams are working as quickly as possible to attend to them.”
Also see: Winter weather spoiling your hiking plans? Consider indoor climbing instead
Feature Image: Gettys
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