Flood warnings issued for parts of WC, Gauteng

"We are expecting severe thunderstorms by the afternoon (Monday) but it is expected to bring about strong winds mainly, but can also bring precipitation that might lead to flooding", said forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela.

Thobela said scattered showers is also expected in the north-eastern parts of the country on Wednesday.

"On Wednesday we have a chance of scattered showers and thundershowers spreading over to Thursday. The north-eastern parts of the country, including Gauteng, will still have isolated showers and thundershowers with partly cloudy and warm conditions."

In the Western Cape, 100-150 mm of rainfall is expected in the Overberg.

"Thundershowers are expected to be severe over the City of Cape Town, West Coast, Cape Winelands, Overberg, Central Karoo and the Garden Route districts; resulting in rapid heavy downpours, excessive lightning, strong downdraft as well as large amounts of small hail," said Thobela. 

"The impact will include widespread damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock, widespread major travel disruptions, and incidents. Widespread loss of agricultural production, widespread flooding of low-lying areas, resulting in closure of some bridges and major roads. Danger to life, large amounts of small hail over a widespread, populated area.

"Damage to formal/informal settlements and some structural damage is possible. Fallen trees may affect transport routes and properties. Longer travel times are expected as well as localised problems for high-sided vehicles, especially on the N1 and N2. Interruptions to power, communication and/or other utilities and services can also be expected."

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