Orange level 5 WEATHER WARNING issued for Limpopo

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 weather warning over the extreme northeastern parts of Limpopo today, 25 February.

ALSO READ: Funnel cloud spotted in the West Rand, Johannesburg

Weather warning for disruptive rainfall

Freddy, an overland depression, will remain in Mozambique while significantly weakening.

The eastern parts of Limpopo will still experience expected rainfall.

ALSO READ: Photos: Tiny funnel cloud in Boksburg has social media buzzing

The extreme rainfall amounts indicated earlier this week are no longer favorable.

The extreme northeastern parts may expect heavier falls of 40-70 mm.

The SAWS will provide updates during the week.

ALSO READ: Severe weather damage, FLOODING in West Rand, Johannesburg

Impacts:

• Flooding of roads and settlements, both formal and informal.
• Disruptions to traffic flow due to major roads being closed.
• Danger to life due to fast flowing streams and rivers.

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN

Arrive Alive has issued some tips when driving in severe weather.

• To keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you, increase the three-second rule to five-six seconds.
• Slow down if it is raining and the roads are wet. Remove your foot from the accelerator and gradually reduce your speed.
• Never apply the brakes abruptly as this may cause the car to skid.
• Slow down and be prepared to move to the left shoulder if an oncoming vehicle is overtaking from the opposite direction and will not be able to do so safely.
• Only move towards the shoulder if you can see 150m ahead of you clearly. Keep in mind that pedestrians may be walking on the shoulder to avoid mud on the road’s surface.

ALSO READ: Spectacular RAINBOW CLOUD spotted over Gauteng [photos]

• Be cautious of oil patches. Do not slam on the brakes; instead, steer through. Patches will be small in most cases.
• Before taking a bend, especially a sharp bend, always shift into a lower gear. As you approach the bend, your speed should be at its slowest, and both hands should be on the steering wheel. When driving around a bend, this slow in/fast out technique gives you the most control.
• Double your normal following distance from 3 seconds to 6 seconds to increase your space cushion.
• Switch on your headlights.
• Other vehicles in the rear and in blind spots should be avoided because they are difficult to see through rain-splattered windows.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY MICHELLE SWART