SA braces for dangerous weekend storms

Thunderstorm

Cape Town – South Africa is bracing for a weekend of severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, flooding and damaging winds, with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issuing an Orange Level 5 warning for parts of the country.

The highest-level warning applies to the far eastern Free State, western KwaZulu-Natal and the Mpumalanga Highveld on Saturday.

SAWS warned that heavy downpours could result in flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, while severe storms could disrupt electricity supplies and communications. Rainfall probabilities are expected to reach 80% in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

The Orange Level 5 warning covers areas where thunderstorms could cause flooding and damage to settlements and property.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the situation is particularly concerning. A Level 5 warning covers the western and south-western parts of the province, with “heavy downpours, strong damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning” expected.

The storms could cause flooding of settlements, fast-flowing rivers, mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion, while flooding of roads and damage to bridges could lead to closures and traffic disruptions.

Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly around flooded roads, rivers and low-lying bridges. Residents in flood-prone areas have also been advised to move valuables to higher ground and avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams.

The storms could also produce large amounts of hail capable of damaging vehicles, roofs, windows, crops and other property.

The unsettled conditions are expected to continue into Sunday, with widespread showers and thundershowers forecast over parts of the eastern and central interior.

Residents are urged to monitor further SAWS updates, avoid unnecessary travel during severe storms and take precautions against flooding, lightning, hail and strong winds.

Picture: Pixabay

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Source: AFP

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