Eastern Cape Weather: Warning for DISRUPTIVE rain, FLOODS

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has released the weather forecast for the Eastern Cape today, 29 May, and the province can expect to experience rain and thundershowers throughout the day.

A yellow level 2 weather warning for disruptive rain and possible flooding has been issued.

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE EASTERN CAPE

Here is the weather forecast for your area:

A cut-off low accompanied by a surface trough is anticipated to cause disruptive rainfall across extensive areas of the Eastern Cape, leading to flooding in low-lying regions. There is a possibility of rainfall amounts ranging from 30-50mm in certain areas.

Impacts include:

• Localised flooding of susceptible settlements, roads, low-lying areas, and bridges
• Localised damage to mud-based and makeshift houses or structures
• Difficult and hazardous driving conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility
• Traffic disruptions due to localised flooding
• Localised disruption to livelihoods

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHILE OUTSIDE IN A THUNDERSTORM

With thundershowers expected for most of the province, here are a few tips if you find yourself outside:

• If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity. This will help you avoid being caught in a thunderstorm and getting injured.
• When thunder roars, go indoors. Lightning can strike up to 16km away from a thunderstorm, so it is important to seek shelter immediately when you hear thunder.
• If you are caught in an open area, find adequate shelter immediately. This could be a building, a car with the windows rolled up, or a ditch.
• If you cannot find shelter, crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears.
• Do not shelter under an isolated tree or a cliff or rocky overhang.

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• Do not stand in water or near metal objects.
• If you are in a group, separate from each other. This will help reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes.
• If you are out in the open water, return to shore immediately. Lightning can travel through water, so it is important to get out of the water as soon as possible.
• Avoid open vehicles and structures. These structures are not safe from lightning strikes.
• Stay away from open spaces. Lightning is more likely to strike open spaces than wooded areas.
• Stay away from tall structures. Lightning is more likely to strike tall structures than shorter structures.

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