Hail, thunderstorm and LOTS of lightning expected on Monday

A high-level 5 warning for SEVERE thunderstorms, HAIL, and excessive lightning is issued for Monday in several parts of SA.

By: Corné van Zyl

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) issued a high-level 5 warning for SEVERE thunderstorms, HAIL, and excessive lightning was issued for Monday, 5 December 2022 in several parts of the country.

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL ARE EXPECTED ON MONDAY

It warned that flooding of roads and low-lying bridges is possible due to heavy downpours closure of roads and bridges.

“Travel disruptions due to poor driving visibility or road obstructions are possible, as well as flooding of informal settlements.

“Damages to or loss of infrastructure due to hail and strong winds -Excessive lightning causing danger to life and damage property.”SAWS

THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE THUNDERSTORMS AND HAIL

These parts of South Africa will be affected: 

• Thembisile Hani / Tweefontein
• Steve Tshwete / Middelburg
• Emalahleni / Emalahleni/Witbank
• Govan Mbeki / Secunda
• Msukaligwa / Ermelo
• Mkhondo / Mkhondo/Piet Retief
• Lekwa / Standerton
• Pixley Ka Seme / Amersfoort
• eDumbe / Paulpietersburg

The SAWS advised the public to stay indoors if possible and off the roads. 

“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. Move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level in buildings.” 

The level 5 warning is in place from midday on Monday until midnight. 

Meanwhile, a level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms is in place for more parts of the country. 

The following areas will be affected by the level 2 warning: 

• Musina
• Makhado
• Blouberg / Alldays
• Lephalale
• Polokwane – Moletji / Moletji
• Molemole / Dendron
• Mogalakwena / Mokopane
• Lephalale
• Thabazimbi
• Modimolle/Mookgopong – Vaalwater / Vaalwater
• Makhuduthamaga / Makhuduthamaga/Jane Furse
• Thaba Chweu / Sabie
• Ramotshere Moiloa / Zeerust
• Local Municipality of Madibeng / Hartebeespoort
• City of Tshwane / Pretoria
• Emakhazeni / Machadodorp
• Ramotshere Moiloa / Zeerust
• Kgetlengrivier / Koster
• Mogale City / Mogale City/Krugersdorp
• Victor Khanye / Delmas
• Albert Luthuli / Carolina
• Ekurhuleni / Kempton park
• Rustenburg
• Ventersdorp/Tlokwe / Ventersdorp
• Metsimaholo / Metsimaholo/Sasolburg
• Mafube / Mafube/Frankfort
• Phumelela / Warden
• Newcastle
• Nketoana / Reitz
• Maluti a Phofung / Van Reenen
• Endumeni / Dundee/eNdumeni
• Ulundi
• Mtubatuba / Riverview
• Umhlabuyalingana / Mbazwana
• uPhongolo
• Nquthu / Nqutu
• uMlalazi / Eshowe

The SAWS warned that large amounts of small hail and excessive lightning are expected and it could cause localised damages to property. 

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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.