Stormy Sunday: Severe thunderstorms expected for many parts of SA

SAWS has issued Level 2 and 4 warnings for severe thunderstorms on Sunday, 23 October for several areas in South Africa.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued Level 2 and LEVEL 4 warnings for severe thunderstorms on Sunday in several parts of South Africa.

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH EXPECTED NOW

“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 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 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

It furthermore 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