What’s this? Snowfall expected in these parts of SA

The SA Weather Service has said that light snowfall is expected in some parts of SA today. Here are the details…

By: Corné van Zyl

SNOWFALL in January?! The SA Weather Services said light SNOWFALL is expected on FRIDAY on these parts. 

THE LIGHT SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED ON FRIDAY

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) said a light dusting of snowfall is expected in the next 24 hours in parts of Lesotho. 

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Meanwhile, several high-level weather warnings have been issued for other parts of the country. 

ALSO READ: More than 200mm of rain expected in parts of SA

HIGH-LEVEL WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR SEVERAL OTHER PARTS OF SA

A level 9 warning for disruptive rain have been issued for these parts of the country on FRIDAY: 

• Maruleng / Hoedspruit
• Bushbuckridge
• Thaba Chweu / Sabie
• Mbombela – Sabie / Whiteriver / Mbombela
• Nkomazi / Skukuza
• Mbombela – Barberton / Barberton
• Mkhondo / Mkhondo/Piet Retief
• eMadlangeni / Utrecht
• Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
• eDumbe / Paulpietersburg
• Abaqulusi / Vryheid/Abaqulusi
• Nongoma
• Big Five Hlabisa – Hluhluwe / Hluhluwe
• Ulundi
• Mtubatuba / Riverview
• Nkandla
• uMlalazi / Eshowe
• uMhlathuze / Richards Bay / Kwa Mbonambi
• uMlalazi / Eshowe
• KwaDukuza / KwaDukusa/Stanger
• Ethekwini / King Shaka Airport
• Mbizana / Bizana
• Port St Johns
• Nyandeni / Libode
• King Sabata Dalindyebo / Mthatha
• Mbhashe / Dutywa
• Mnquma / Butterworth

The level 9 weather warning is in place until Friday afternoon. 

WIDESPREAD FLOODING IS EXPECTED

The SAWS warned that the Impacts of these weather conditions include: Widespread flooding of roads and settlements, 

• Danger to life (fast-flowing streams),
• Large communities not accessible for a prolonged period,and displacement of affected communities
• Major roads and bridges damaged or washed away
• Widespread mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion

“If possible, stay indoors and off the roads, and 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.” SAWS

DISASTER TEAMS ARE ON HIGH ALERT IN THESE AREAS IN SA

Disaster management teams and personnel are on high alert as heavy rains and floods are anticipated in KwaZulu-Natal. 

eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has instructed all disaster management teams and emergency personnel to stand by as heavy rains are anticipated for most parts of the city. 

“According to the South African Weather Service ( SAWS), more than 200 mm of rainfall is expected at eThekwini alone.”

Kaunda urged residents in low-lying areas to be cautious as localised flooding is expected.