By Cornelia Le Roux.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an Orange Level 5 warning for disruptive rainfall in Gauteng and over the central parts of North West on Monday, 17 February through to Thursday, 20 February.
The heavy on-and-off showers are expected to start on Sunday evening already across the North West and Gauteng provinces, including the northern region of Free State, Highveld areas of Mpumalanga and south-western Limpopo.
SA weather alert: Heavy rains and flooding
The widespread rain, extending from Botswana, is expected to cause localised flooding of informal settlements, low-lying areas, bridges and dirt roads.
The weather service urged communities living in low-lying areas and flat plains to be on the lookout for the disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa.
Wild weather: Severe thunderstorms, excessive lightning
Meanwhile, the SAWS also predicted severe thunderstorms are expected in places across the southern Free State and northern region of the Eastern Cape where damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail and heavy downpours are likely.
Fire danger warnings
Western parts of South Africa will remain hot and dry, with the risk of run-away fires this week.
Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in places over northern parts of the Western Cape and the extreme western parts of Northern Cape.
To ensure safety and preparedness, the following precautions are advised:
- Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
- Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
- Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.
- Adherence to these guidelines can significantly reduce risks and help ensure public safety during this period of adverse weather conditions.