The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 5 severe-thunderstorm warning for parts of the Northern and Western Cape. The warning covers the Hantam and Karoo Hoogland districts in the Northern Cape and the Central Karoo district in the Western Cape. Residents in these areas are advised to be cautious of large amounts of small hail and damage to vehicles, infrastructure, and homes.
The orange level 5 warning flags a risk of injury and danger to life, and residents are advised to follow local emergency notices and avoid crossing flooded roads or streams. The warning was issued ahead of Wednesday, 23 September, and conditions may change during the day. SAWS has also issued a separate yellow level 2 severe-thunderstorm warning that covers a wider area, including Karoo Hoogland and southern parts of the Northern Cape.
The yellow level 2 warning also covers much of the Western Cape outside the northern and central West Coast district, southwestern and western KwaZulu-Natal, and southern parts of the Free State. These areas could see excessive lightning, hail, and localised damage to vehicles and infrastructure. Residents are advised to check the latest SAWS and municipal updates for their specific area as conditions develop.
The forecast for the rest of the country indicates that Gauteng is expected to be partly cloudy and cool to warm, with isolated showers and thundershowers. Similar isolated showers are forecast for North West and Mpumalanga, while the extreme southwestern parts of Limpopo may also see showers. Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected in the southern Northern Cape and in both halves of the Eastern Cape.
KwaZulu-Natal is forecast to become cloudy during the afternoon, with scattered showers and thundershowers except in the far northeast, where they should be isolated. The forecast was issued ahead of Wednesday, and warning areas and conditions may change during the day. Residents are advised to stay informed and follow local weather updates.
The severe thunderstorm warnings were reported by various news sources, including The Citizen. The warnings are in place to alert residents of potential dangers and to advise them to take necessary precautions. By following local emergency notices and staying informed, residents can minimise the risks associated with severe thunderstorms.
The SAWS issues severe thunderstorm warnings to alert residents of potential dangers and to advise them to take necessary precautions. The warnings are based on forecasts and weather conditions, and are updated regularly to reflect changing conditions. By staying informed and following local weather updates, residents can stay safe during severe thunderstorms.
Key points
- SAWS issues orange level 5 severe-thunderstorm warning for parts of Northern and Western Cape
- Yellow level 2 severe-thunderstorm warning covers wider area, including Karoo Hoogland and southern parts of Northern Cape
- Residents advised to follow local emergency notices and stay informed to minimise risks associated with severe thunderstorms
