The South African Weather Service has issued an orange level 6 warning for Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, due to disruptive rain. This is a serious alert, signalling the potential for significant impacts across the region.

Read more: ALERT: Possibility of severe thunderstorms today

Warning details:

The warning applies to weather conditions that are considered severe enough to disrupt daily life across the region, with a high chance of causing damage or putting lives at risk.

Warning key:

Signals that severe weather is expected, causing a significant impact.

Weather type:

Disruptive Rain indicates that the main concern is not just heavy rainfall, but also potential flooding and disruption.

Affected areas:

Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga are the locations most likely to be affected and are expected to see the worst of the weather.

Also read: ALERT: Severe thunderstorms expected to hit Gauteng on 6 October

Discussion:

The persistent rainfall over the past few days is attributed to tropical moisture and an upper air system. This combination has resulted in an intense weather system that is expected to bring significant disruption to the affected areas.

Impacts:

• Flooding of roads and settlements, affecting both formal and informal areas, is likely to occur.
• Mudslides and rock falls are also expected to cause damage and disruptions.
• Danger to life, particularly for those living near rivers and streams, with fast-flowing water posing a significant risk, is a major concern.
• Major disruption to traffic flow due to flooded roads and poor driving conditions is also expected.
• Possible damage to low-lying roads and bridges is also a risk. Some communities may become temporarily inaccessible or cut off, especially those surrounded by rivers and streams.

Advice:

Residents in the affected areas are urged to take precautions to ensure their safety, including monitoring weather updates regularly. Avoiding unnecessary travel, especially during heavy rainfall, is recommended. Being aware of the risk of flooding and mudslides is also crucial. If you live near a river or stream, be prepared to evacuate to higher ground. Stay informed and visit the South African Weather Service (SAWS) website for more detailed information: Weathersa.co.za/warnings.

Thunderstorms are also expected. The SAWS is constantly monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as necessary.

(The supplied warning was valid for 11 hours from February 19 – 01:00 until 12:00).

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