By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms to hit Gauteng, Limpopo and parts of North West.
“With heavy downpours leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, localised damage to infrastructure is expected over Gauteng, the eastern parts of the North West province, extreme north-eastern Free State and the extreme south-western parts of Limpopo, SAWS said in a statement.”
“Significant impacts are possible due to it being the first significant rainfall for the season, therefore run-off is expected to be high, combined with possible blocked drainage systems.”
The impacts are as follows:
• Flooding of roads and bridges, formal and informal settlements
• Danger to life due to fast-flowing water and streams
• Roads blocked due to falling trees
“If possible, stay indoors and off the roads, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Load the WeatherSmart App, scroll to the last page and use two fingers to navigate the storm tracking application, read the statement”
Meanwhile Johannesburg Emergency Services said motorists were unable to drive between the areas of Klipvalley Road and the Nancefield Hostel.
“At this stage, the road is flooded just after the VW dealership. Motorists are urged to use alternative routes since that area is already flooded.
Joburg Emergency Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, said roads in Soweto were flooded and three cars were trapped in the area. He said emergency personnel had to rush to the area to assist those motorists.
The rest of the country will experience partly cloudy and cool to warm weather while isolated showers can be expected over the North West, Free State, Northern Cape and Western Cape.