The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 severe-thunderstorm warning for parts of six provinces on Tuesday, 29 September. The warning covers North West and Gauteng, the Mpumalanga Highveld, south-western Limpopo, northern Free State, and the extreme north-east of the Northern Cape. Heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail, and excessive lightning are expected, which could bring localised flooding and damage.
The warning does not mean every district in those provinces will experience a severe storm, but roads, low-lying areas, and bridges susceptible to flooding are among the areas at risk. Strong winds and hail could damage homes, vehicles, and other infrastructure. SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela stated that the warning covered much of the eastern interior, including Gauteng and surrounding areas.
The weather service expects partly cloudy and cool conditions across much of the country, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over central and eastern areas. Cloudy conditions are forecast in the east on Tuesday. Drivers are advised not to cross flooded roads or low-level bridges, and people outdoors should seek shelter when lightning approaches.
Residents are also advised to check updated SAWS alerts for their municipality, as warning areas and severity can change. The warning is a forecast, and this report does not claim that flooding, damage, or road closures have already occurred. The SAWS warning is an impact-based alert, which provides information on the potential impacts of the severe thunderstorms.
In addition to the severe-thunderstorm warning, the country's weather is expected to be cool and cloudy, with a chance of showers and thundershowers in some areas. The weather service has warned that the storms could bring localised flooding and damage, and residents are advised to take necessary precautions.
The Yellow Level 2 warning is a moderate to high-risk warning, indicating that severe thunderstorms are likely to occur. The warning is in place to alert residents to the potential dangers of the storms and to encourage them to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
The severe-thunderstorm warning is a timely reminder for residents to be prepared for extreme weather conditions. By taking necessary precautions and staying informed about the weather, residents can minimise the risks associated with severe thunderstorms.
Key points
- SAWS issues Yellow Level 2 severe-thunderstorm warning for parts of six provinces on Tuesday.
- Warning covers North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highveld, south-western Limpopo, northern Free State, and extreme north-east of Northern Cape.
- Residents advised to take necessary precautions, including seeking shelter when lightning approaches and avoiding flooded roads.
