Hectic! Thunderstorms, hail and heavy winds for these parts of SA

SA is experiencing some hectic weather! A warning for severe thunderstorms, hail and heavy winds has been issued for many parts of SA.

By: Corné van Zyl

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued a warning for severe thunderstorms, HAIL and damaging winds are expected in these parts of the country.

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL ARE EXPECTED AROUND MIDDAY

The SA Weather Services issued a level 2 warning for Saturday. The weather conditions are expected to be in full swing at around midday and continue until midnight. 

“Heavy downpours could result in flash flooding and difficult driving conditions, especially over dirt roads. 

“The strong and gusty winds, excessive lightning and possibly large amounts of small hail could cause localised structural damage in mostly informal areas as well as localised disruption to essential services.”SAWS

SEVERAL PARTS OF SA WILL BE AFFECTED, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

These areas will be affected: 

• Khâi-Ma / Pofadder
• Hantam / Calvinia
• Karoo Hoogland / Sutherland
• Beaufort West
• Witzenberg / Ceres
• Laingsburg
• Prince Albert
• Breede Valley / Worcester
• Theewaterskloof / Grabouw
• Swellendam
• Kannaland / Ladismith

It furthermore warned that possible loss of livestock could happen due to lightning.

“If possible, stay indoors, away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf, as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity. 

“Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.”SAWS

ANOTHER LEVEL 2 WARNING WAS ISSUED FOR THESE AREAS

Meanwhile, a level 2 warning for damaging winds was also issued. 

Here are the areas that will be affected: 

• M_Swartland / Dassen Island\
• M_Saldanha Bay / Saldanha Bay
• M_City of Cape town / Cape
• M_Overstrand / Hermanus
• M_Cape Agulhas / Cape Agulhas 1

“Difficulty in navigating at sea due to strong winds can be expected. Small vessels and personal watercraft (e.g. kayaks) are at risk of taking on water and capsizing in a locality. Localised disruption to beach actives.” SAWS

The SAWS advised that small boats and personal watercraft must stay away from the open sea and seek shelter in a harbour, river estuary, or protected bay. 

Motorists should take caution when traveling on roads covered with sand as roads may be slippery.

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HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR CAR DURING HAIL

Tips for avoiding hail damage to your car.

• Drive slowly — slower driving minimises the damage of hail and helps cope with slippery roads.
• Find a safe, covered area immediately or pull over under an overpass, provided it is safe.
• Undercover parking at malls and petrol stations are good temporary solutions to protecting your car during a hail storm.
• Stay in the vehicle. Large hail stones can injure.
• Keep fleecy blankets in your boot so you can cover your car to minimise the impact of hail.
• Take careful note of the extent of the damage to your car, look for damage to all glass items including side mirrors, tail lights and head lights. Taking pictures may be useful.
• If you are affected by hail, report it at once to your insurer.