Weather warning: Thunderstorms, hail and strong winds expected today

The SA Weather Service has issued a weather warning for SEVERE thunderstorms, small hail, and strong winds in these areas today…

By: Michelle Swart

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level 2 weather warning for today, 26 January.

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WEATHER WARNING FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

A yellow level 2 weather warning for severe thunderstorms was issued which can result in the following:

• Large amounts of small hail
• Strong winds
• Excessive lightning
• Flooding of some roads

This is expected over the extreme eastern parts of Northern Cape, western parts of Free State as well as over the northern parts of Eastern Cape. 

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over Dawid Kruipe and Kareeberg local Municipalities of Northern Cape as well as the Cederberg local Municipality of Western Cape. 

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN

Arrive Alive has issued some tips when driving in severe weather.

• To keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you, increase the three-second rule to five-six seconds.
• Slow down if it is raining and the roads are wet. Remove your foot from the accelerator and gradually reduce your speed.
• Never apply the brakes abruptly as this may cause the car to skid.
• Slow down and be prepared to move to the left shoulder if an oncoming vehicle is overtaking from the opposite direction and will not be able to do so safely.
• Only move towards the shoulder if you can see 150m ahead of you clearly. Keep in mind that pedestrians may be walking on the shoulder to avoid mud on the road’s surface.
• Be cautious of oil patches. Do not slam on the brakes; instead, steer through. Patches will be small in most cases.
• Before taking a bend, especially a sharp bend, always shift into a lower gear. As you approach the bend, your speed should be at its slowest, and both hands should be on the steering wheel. When driving around a bend, this slow in/fast out technique gives you the most control.
• Double your normal following distance from 3 seconds to 6 seconds to increase your space cushion.
• Switch on your headlights.
• Other vehicles in the rear and in blind spots should be avoided because they are difficult to see through rain-splattered windows.

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