The SA Weather Service has issued a flash flood alert for Joburg. Picture: Thobile Mathonsi
Image: Thobile Mathonsi/Independent Newspapers
The South African Weather Services has issued a Yellow level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in parts of Johannesburg on Sunday. The warning also applies to greater Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the southern parts of Limpopo.
The weather service said the warning was valid between Sunday and Monday, October 21.
“Thunderstorms are expected to result in heavy rainfall and possible significant impacts over parts of the Highveld of Mpumalanga (accumulations of 40 to 100mm possible near Ermelo, Carolina, Amsterdam, Hendrina) which will lead to flooding today (Sunday).
“On Monday, showers and thundershowers are likely to continue over Gauteng and parts of Mpumalanga with a low probability of significant impacts,” the forecaster warned.
The northern parts of Joburg were on Sunday filled with dark clouds, with heavy rain looking imminent in the afternoon.
The weather service said possible flooding in low-lying areas, damage to property, traffic disruptions and life threatening fast flowing water streams and rivers could be experienced.
The City of Joburg’s Emergency Management Services said they were on high alert in all the regions, should they be required.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said there was a threat of flash floods and traffic disruptions due to the inclement weather expected.
“Residents who are residing in low lying areas are urged to avoid crossing river streams when conducting daily activities, motorists are urged to exercise caution while driving extend safe following distance avoid crossing flooded roads/bridges,” said Mulaudzi.
He added that the EMS specialized units along with the Aquatic Rescue Unit were standing ready.
Residents who find themselves in life threatening emergencies have been urged to report cases to the Emergency Services Call Centre on 011 375 5911.
Meanwhile, the Weather Service issued several weather warnings for heavy rains, hail and thundershowers for KZN and the Eastern Cape from Sunday as well.
The forecaster issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive rain between Port Alfred and Mtunzini until Monday, while it also issued a Yellow Warning Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, hail and wind has been predicted for most parts of KwaZulu-Natal, extreme parts of Mpumalanga and the extreme eastern parts of the Free State.
IOL News
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