Weather warning: Destructive thunderstorms could wreak havoc in Gauteng

Thunderstorm

Johannesburg – Gauteng residents have been warned to brace for potentially destructive thunderstorms on Sunday, with heavy rain, hail, intense lightning and damaging winds expected in parts of the province.

Recent rainfall has left the atmosphere humid, while rising daytime temperatures could create conditions for powerful thunderstorms to develop rapidly.

Weather commentator Juandre Vorster warned that the storms could be particularly severe despite being relatively short-lived.

“All the rain we’ve been having for the last few days has created a lot of humidity in Gauteng, which is going to cause heat-induced thunderstorms for Sunday,” Vorster said, aording to The Citizen .

The storms could start developing between 3pm and 4pm, with some potentially forming over or northwest of Johannesburg rather than moving into the city from elsewhere.

Diepsloot, Krugersdorp, Lenasia and western parts of Gauteng are among the areas considered particularly vulnerable, while Brakpan and other parts of the East Rand could also experience severe storms.

Vorster said the storms could be intense but clear relatively quickly.

“It’s the characteristics of a cluster cell. They’re very damaging. They’re severe, but they clear quickly,” he said, warning of straight-line winds capable of damaging roofs, uprooting trees and bringing down infrastructure.

The warning comes after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued severe-weather alerts for Gauteng and surrounding areas.

EWN reported that Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services had placed technical rescue teams on high alert following a Level 4 warning, with authorities warning of flash flooding, damage to homes and infrastructure and disruptions to electricity and communications.

TimesLIVE also reported that disaster-management structures had been alerted and urged municipalities to keep emergency services on standby. Residents were advised to remain indoors during severe storms, avoid sheltering under trees and stay away from flooded roads, bridges and low-lying areas.

Vorster urged residents to take precautions, particularly those planning outdoor activities.

“Just take cover. Cover your pets. Cover your cars for hail,” he said.

Residents are advised to monitor the latest SAWS warnings as conditions can change rapidly.

Picture: Pixabay

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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