Weather Update: Thunderstorms with heavy rain for these SA areas

The South African Weather Service has issued a weather alert for severe thunderstorms in these areas in South Africa…

By: Michelle Swart

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for severe thunderstoms leading to localised flooding today, 4 January 2023.

WARNING ISSUED FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

A level 2 warning was issued over the eastern interior of the Eastern Cape, including the wild coast for disruptive rain, and localised flooding of susceptible settlements, roads, low-lying areas, and bridges

Another level 2 warning was issued for places over the interior of KwaZulu-Natal.

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THE FOLLOWING WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED IN THE AREA:

• Severe thunderstorms
• Heavy rain
• Strong damaging wind
• Hail
• Localised flooding susceptible settlements, roads, low-lying areas, and bridges
• Localised structural damages

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN AND THUNDERSTORMS

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

• To keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you in rain, 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.