SEE: Hailstorm hits several areas of South Africa on Saturday

Many parts of SA were hit by a hailstorm on Saturday, 22 October, with more warnings issued for today. Check out at these photos…

A hailstorm hit several parts of South Africa on Saturday afternoon, and more warnings were issued for Sunday.

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL WERE EXPECTED ON SATURDAY

Several areas were affected by the hailstorm including Odendaalrus and large areas of the Free State.

This comes after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued Level 2 and LEVEL 4 warnings for severe thunderstorms with hailstorms on Saturday in several parts of South Africa.

Meanwhile, more warnings were issued for Sunday.

MORE WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR SOUTH AFRICA FOR SUNDAY

“Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock can be expected due to the combination of heavy downpours, excessive lightning and large amounts of small hail.

“Further, heavy downpours are expected to result in localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges and possibly cause minor vehicle accidents. Disruptions to municipal services and livelihoods are also possible. Excessive lightning may cause danger to life.”

SAWS

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THESE AREAS IN SOUTH AFRICA WILL BE AFFECTED

Yellow Level 2 and Level 4 Warnings are issued for severe thunderstorms in these areas:

• Ba-Phalaborwa
• Greater Tzaneen / Tzaneen
• Bushbuckridge
• Fetakgomo/Greater Tubatse – Appel / Fetakgomo/Apel
• Steve Tshwete / Middelburg
• Emakhazeni / Machadodorp
• Govan Mbeki / Secunda
• Msukaligwa / Ermelo
• Pixley Ka Seme / Amersfoort
• Mkhondo / Mkhondo/Piet Retief
• Dannhauser
• Nquthu / Nqutu
• Alfred Duma – Ladysmith / Ladysmith
• Mangaung / Bloemfontein Airport
• Letsemeng / Koffiefontein
• Siyancuma / Griquastad
• Siyathemba / Prieska
• Thembelihle / Hopetown
• Kopanong / Fauresmith
• Naledi / Wepener
• Emthanjeni / De Aar
• Umsobomvu / Noupoort
• Senqu / Barkly East
• Walter Sisulu – Burgersdorp / Burgersdorp
• Emalahleni / Lady Frere

The SAWS furthermore advised that, if possible, the public should 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.”

SAWS

‘AVOID CROSSING RIVERS AND SWOLLEN STREAMS WHERE WATER IS ABOVE YOUR ANKLES’

It also urged the public to 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.

By: Corné van Zyl