Weather warning: More rain and cold to come
The South African Weather service warned about possible flash floods.
The South African Weather Service is monitoring the development of a cut-off low pressure system which is set to affect the country over the next few days.
Widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over Gauteng from Monday, 14 May until Wednesday, 16 May. There is potential for some areas to receive significant amounts of rainfall from this weather system, and this may result in localised flooding.
Image: South African Weather Service.
Due to the expected extent of the cloud cover, temperatures are also expected to drop significantly from the current mild conditions being experienced over much of the country. It will be cold from late Monday over most of the eastern interior of the country until Thursday. Conditions all round are set to improve from Thursday afternoon onward, with a gradual recovery in daytime temperatures.
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Hannelee Doubell, spokesperson for SA Weather said the service advises the public to take heed of the following precautionary measures when encountering flooding.
Image: South African Weather Service.
“If possible stay indoors and off the roads. If you have to venture out, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water level is above your ankles,” said Doubell.
She also gave the following tips on how to stay safe:
• If trapped in a flooding situation whilst in a vehicle, rather abandon it and climb to higher ground.
• In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level.
• Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building.
• In rural areas, protect/ relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground.
• Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended by duly authorised officials, before access is cut off by flood water.
• Never drive on a road covered or obscured by water. You don’t know how deep it is or if the road has been washed away.
• If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground.
• Be especially cautious at night when it is difficult to identify flood hazards.
• Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from Disaster Management officials.
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