Update:
A video shows another trailer being blown off the bridge by the strong winds:
Update:
Huguenot Tunnel has reopened for light vehicles – those without trailers. Exercise caution as the weather continues to worsen.
Update:
The Overberg District Municipality has confirmed that the Huguenot Tunnel is now closed in both directions for all vehicles.
The municipality released a list of all the roads that are closed within the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s region:
- N1, Huguenot Tunnel, both directions for all vehicles
- DR01053 Blaauwklippen, trees falling. Teams are attending to this.
- DR01385, Keerweder, trees falling, Teams are attending to this.
- DR1083, Elsenburg closed due to fallen trees
- MR00172, Helshoogte closed due to fallen trees.
The following roads have been opened:
- MR 27 (R44) close to Kromme Rhee. Trees were removed during the night. Roads are open and teams are clearing debris.
- MR 174 (R304). Trees were removed during the night. Roads are open and teams are clearing debris.
The municipality also provided the following status report:
City of Cape Town:
- N2 in Somerset West, Monkeyland – Fallen trees reported
- Chapmans Peak closed
West Coast District Municipality:
- OP5325 – Uilenkraal Road. Eskom pole leaning towards the rail
- Citrusdal – OlifantRiver bank being monitored – reiver currently low
- Algeria teams are on alert and monitoring as well
Overberg District Municipality:
- TR29/2 Nagwag will be monitored
- Botrivier area being monitored
No incidents have been reported in the Garden Route or Central Karoo District Municipalities.
The Huguenot Tunnel has been closed in both directions for heavy motor vehicles after strong gusts ripped a trailer off a truck, causing it to topple over.
In a video widely shared on social media, the trailer can be seen falling over the barrier.
Watch:
It is understood that the driver of the vehicle was not injured.
Motorists are advised to make use of the R101 Du Toitskloof Pass as an alternative route.
Also read:
Crews respond to multiple fires in Cape Winelands and surrounds
Picture: Screenshot from video