Weather warnings: Thunderstorms and heavy wind expected

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several weather warnings for today, 20 March 2023. Here’s where…

By: Michelle Swart

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Several weather warnings for today

A yellow level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms resulting
in localised damage to property and localised short-term disruption to municipal and other essential services is expected in these areas:

• Amathole
• OR Tambo
• Alfred Nzo District Municipalities
• Enoch Mgijima
• Intsika Yethu
• Engcobo Local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape

A yellow level 2 warning for damaging wind leading to:

• Localised disruption of small harbours and/or ports for a short period of time
• Difficulty in navigation at sea

This is expected between Table Bay and Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape during the morning, moderating by the afternoon.

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A yellow level 2 warning for damaging wind resulting in localised problems for high-sided vehicles on prone routes, is expected over:

• The Karoo Hoogland Local Municipality in the Northern Cape
• Central Karoo District Municipality
• Breede Valley Local Municipality in the Western Cape

ALSO READ: Northern Cape Weather: THUNDERSHOWERS and rain TODAY

SAFETY WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN

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

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

ALSO READ: Western Cape Weather: A lot of RAIN and clouds expected

• 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.

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