SAWS issues heavy rain warning

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern parts of the country, which may result in heavy downpours and lead to flooding.

In an alert issued on Thursday, the SAWS warned that isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, with damaging winds, excessive lightning, hail and heavy downpours expected over the western parts of the province.

“Severe thunderstorms are expected over the western parts, which may be accompanied by large amounts of small hail, strong damaging winds, excessive lightning, and heavy downpours, which may lead to localised impacts.

“Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are [also] expected over the eastern areas, but widespread over the escarpments of Mpumalanga on Saturday. The showers will be isolated along the south coast on Friday,” SAWS explained.

Motorists are encouraged to ensure clear windscreens, as traffic and road markings could be difficult to see during the occurrence of heavy rain, “even for vehicles with properly working wipers, in some instances”.

“Further, it is inevitable that some low-water bridges could overflow, with powerful water currents that could sweep away vehicles and lead to loss of lives and property. It is strongly advised that motorists do not enter flooded low-water bridges or roads,” SAWS said.

To ensure safety and preparedness, the following precautions are advised to:
•    Avoid crossing flooded roads or swollen streams.
•    Move to higher ground if rising water levels are observed.
•    Refrain from travelling on bridges or roads in low-lying areas, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding. 

– SAnews.gov.za