Yellow Level 2 warning: Severe thunderstorms expected in parts of SA

The South Africa Weather Service (Saws) has issued several Yellow Level 2 warnings for severe thunderstorms in parts of Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga on Wednesday.

According to the forecaster, isolated thunderstorms may intensify and become severe, particularly along the southern escarpment of Mpumalanga, near the border with Eswatini, during the afternoon.

Residents in these areas are urged to remain alert to potential impacts and take necessary precautions.

“The severe thunderstorms could result in; localised flooding and heavy downpours may cause flooding on susceptible roads, in low-lying areas, and within informal settlements.

This can also lead to damage to both formal and informal settlements due to the possibility of hail and strong winds,” Saws warned.

It added that the inclement weather could also impact driving conditions, lead to slippery roads and poor visibility, which could result in minor vehicle accidents and interruptions in municipal services. 

Meanwhile, residents in the north eastern areas of Limpopo can expect extremely hot conditions. 

Looking at weather for the rest of the week, Saws said it will be partly cloudy and warm to hot with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers expected over the central and eastern parts of the country. Otherwise, fine and hot in places in the north-east.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in KZN further urged residents to take caution or avoid travelling over bridges and roads in low lying area. 

It added that affected areas include the Abaqulusi, Impendle, Estcourt, Jozini, Newcastle and Nkandla.

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