Weather Service warns of severe storms
Large parts of South Africa are expected to experience widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms this weekend as a moisture-laden weather system moves across the region.
According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the unstable weather conditions are likely to affect several provinces in the coming days, especially areas across the central and eastern interior of the country.
Weather forecaster Tokelo Chiloane says the current weather pattern is being driven by tropical moisture moving southwards.
“A sustained spell of tropically sourced rainfall is expected to affect large parts of southern Africa over the next few days, particularly the central and eastern interior of South Africa. This wet weather is expected to continue through the weekend."
An upper-air trough over the central interior is triggering scattered to widespread showers and thunderstorms, prompting the weather service to issue an Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms affecting parts of the Free State and the Northern Cape.
Chiloane warned that the storms could bring intense rainfall, strong winds, small hail, and frequent lightning, which may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, roads, and settlements.
These conditions could also disrupt traffic and potentially damage infrastructure in affected communities.
Forecasters say the system is expected to develop into a Tropical Temperate Trough (TTT), a weather phenomenon known for transporting significant amounts of tropical moisture into the country and causing prolonged rainfall across several provinces.
As the system progresses eastwards over the weekend, the heaviest rainfall is expected to shift towards the lowveld regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where the ground is already saturated.
Emergency services across major cities have urged residents to heed the warnings and take precautionary measures.
EMERGENCY SERVICES ON HIGH ALERT
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is on high alert following the Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of Gauteng.
Spokesperson Nana Radebe says certain areas in the metro remain vulnerable due to their proximity to rivers, streams, and low-lying zones.
“Residents are urged not to cross any flooded routes, avoid contact with metal poles or objects outside during storms, and not to seek shelter under isolated trees,” she warned.
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has also cautioned residents to remain alert as the storms approach.
Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi warned that the severe thunderstorms could result in flash flooding in parts of the city.
“The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in most parts of the city of Johannesburg for this Friday, going towards the weekend, which might cause flash floods in most of our low-lying areas,” said Mulaudzi.
He further urged residents in vulnerable communities, particularly those living in informal settlements, to avoid crossing rivers and streams while going about their daily activities and to keep a close watch on children.
“Extend the safe following distance and try to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges,” Mulaudzi added.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to monitor updates from the South African Weather Service and to take the necessary precautions, as heavy rainfall could trigger localised flooding in several regions.
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