Thunderstorms, HAIL, lightning and rain expected TODAY in these parts of SA Photos: Stock/Canva/Pexels
Thunderstorms, HAIL, lightning and rain expected TODAY in these parts of SA
The SA Weather Service issued several warnings for SEVERE thunderstorms with HAIL, lightning and heavy rain for several parts of the country TODAY.
Thunderstorms, HAIL, lightning and rain expected TODAY in these parts of SA Photos: Stock/Canva/Pexels
Several warnings for SEVERE thunderstorms with HAIL and heavy rain were issued for several parts of the country TODAY.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL AND EXCESSIVE LIGHTNING ARE EXPECTED
The SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued a significant level 6 weather warning for disruptive rain in several parts of the Free State.
It warned that flooding of roads, bridges, settlements, and low-lying areas, could cause danger to life and dangerous driving conditions.
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“Services such as water and sanitation and power can be disrupted. In some cases, communities might be temporarily cut-off.
“If possible, stay indoors and off the roads, and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles.”
SAWS
THE FOLLOWING AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED TODAY
The significant level 6 weather warning will affect these areas:
- Nketoana
- Reitz
- Dihlabeng
- Bohlokong
- Setsoto
- Ficksburg
Level 4
- Ngwathe / Ngwathe/Parys
- Moqhaka / Moqhaka/Kroonstad
- Mafube / Mafube/Frankfort
- Maluti a Phofung / Van Reenen
- Matjhabeng / Welkom
- Ngwathe / Ngwathe/Parys
The SAWS advised that if you are trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground.
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‘IF YOU ARE TRAPPED IN A VEHICLE DURING A FLOOD ABANDON IT’
“In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Stormwater drainage is full, so kids must stay away to prevent drowning.”
It furthermore issued a level 2 weather warning for severe thunderstorms with hail for the following areas:
Level 2 Severe Thunderstorms:
- Kopanong / Fauresmith
- Mohokare / Aliwal North
- Karoo Hoogland / Sutherland
- Kareeberg / VanWyksvlei
- Mhlontlo / Tsolo
- Langeberg / Robertson
- Witzenberg / Ceres
- Oudtshoorn
- Dr Beyers Naude – Baviaans / Willowmore
- Dr Beyers Naude – Jansenville / Jansenville
- Blue Crane Route / Somerset East
- Amahlathi / Stutterheim
- Mnquma / Butterworth
- King Sabata Dalindyebo / Mthatha
- Elundini / Nqanqarhu/Maclear
- Umzimvubu / Mount Ayliff
- Senqu / Barkly East
- Beaufort West
- Ubuntu / Victoria West
- Kopanong / Fauresmith
- Enoch Magijima – Tarkastad / Tarkastad
“Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock can be expected due to the combination of heavy downpours, excessive lightning, damaging winds and hail.”
The SAWS also said heavy downpours are expected to result in localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges and possibly cause dangerous driving conditions.
“Disruptions to municipal services and livelihoods are also possible. Excessive lightning may cause danger to life.”
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MORE SAFETY TIPS FROM SAWS:
- If possible, the public is advised to stay indoors away from metal objects and open windows.
- Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity.
- Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.
- Do not try to cross flooded areas whether walking or driving.
