Weather Alert: JB Marks Municipality, Mooi River Dams Overflow Amidst Orange Level 6 Warning
- Karen Scheepers
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
The JB Marks Local Municipality has entered a state of high alert following a series of severe weather developments that have already begun to impact local infrastructure. As a significant "Cut-off Low" pressure system moves across the South African interior, municipal authorities are working to mitigate risks associated with rising water levels and intense electrical storms. The situation has necessitated immediate intervention to ensure the safety of residents in Potchefstroom and surrounding areas.
Severe Weather and Infrastructure Impact
The SAWS has elevated the region’s alert status to an Orange Level 6 Warning. This classification indicates a high probability of severe impacts from thunderstorms, including widespread rainfall estimated between 40 mm and 90 mm.
While the warning covers a broad section of the central interior, including the Northern Cape and Free State, the North West province is currently bearing the brunt of the atmospheric instability. Forecasters have warned that the following disruptions are likely:
Localized flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying settlements.
Danger to life due to fast-flowing streams and lightning strikes.
Infrastructure damage, affecting both formal and informal housing.
Service delivery interruptions, including potential power outages and water system stresses.
Emergency Closure of Retief Street Bridge
In direct response to the escalating conditions, the JB Marks Local Municipality issued an urgent public notice on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. Following an on-site assessment by the JB Marks Disaster Management Centre, the low-water bridge on Retief Street, located adjacent to the popular Trim Park, was officially closed to all vehicular traffic.
The bridge, a known flashpoint for rising water levels during heavy downpours, was deemed unsafe after the Mooi River began to overflow its banks. Barriers and warning signage have been erected to prevent motorists from attempting to cross. Municipal officials have emphasized that the bridge will remain closed until water levels recede and a thorough safety inspection can be conducted.
Municipal Safety Recommendations
The Disaster Management Centre remains on high alert as the weather system is expected to persist through Friday, 1 May 2026. To navigate this period safely, the municipality has provided the following guidance:
Alternative Routes: Motorists are urged to plan their commutes using higher-elevation crossings and avoid the Retief Street area entirely.
Avoid Low-Lying Areas: Residents in informal settlements near riverbanks are encouraged to move to higher ground if water begins to encroach on their dwellings.
Communication: The public is advised to monitor official municipal social media channels and local radio stations for real-time updates on road reopenings and emergency services.
Mooi River System Reaches Critical Capacity
Compounding the surface runoff from the storms is the overflow of the region's major reservoirs. The DWS Potchefstroom Area Office has released data showing that all primary dams in the Mooi River Government Water Scheme (GWS) have exceeded their maximum capacity:
Dam Name | Current Level (Meters) | Percentage Capacity |
Klerkskraal Dam | $5.440\text{m}$ | 129.35% |
Lakeside Dam | $6.380\text{m}$ | 110.99% |
Boskop Dam | $12.610\text{m}$ | 108.31% |
With the Klerkskraal Dam at nearly 130% capacity, a massive volume of water is spilling into the river system. This "spill" effect ensures that water levels downstream will remain dangerously high, regardless of immediate local rainfall, as the catchment area continues to drain.
Public Safety and Emergency Response
Disaster Management and municipal essential services remain on high alert. The combined impact of the storms and dam overflows poses a significant threat to:
Settlements: Both formal and informal housing located along the Mooi Riverbanks.
Livelihoods: Potential loss of livestock and agricultural production in low-lying floodplains.
Essential Services: Potential disruptions to power and water supply due to infrastructure damage.
The municipality urges residents to remain vigilant and avoid all low-lying areas. The DWS and local officials continue to perform frequent assessments to determine when it will be safe to reopen affected roads and return to normal operations.
Final Drop
As the central interior continues to face these volatile conditions, the cooperation of the public is essential in preventing loss of life and minimizing property damage. The JB Marks Local Municipality continues to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing the restoration of normal activities once the weather system has cleared the region.
⛈️🌊⚠️🚧
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