Residents across Gauteng, including Mogale City, are being urged to prepare for life-threatening weather conditions as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for severe, disruptive rain.

Pretoria Rekord, the Krugersdorp News’ sister publication, reported that the SAWS has downgraded Gauteng’s Level 9 weather alert to Level 6. While this indicates that conditions are easing, the risk has not yet passed.

According to Hannelee Doubell, communications manager at SAWS, the central and eastern parts of South Africa are still expected to experience severe weather from the weekend into the week. This will be caused by an intense cut-off low-pressure system, expected to affect the country until Monday, November 17. Such systems often bring widespread rainfall and severe thunderstorms, creating continued risks of flooding and other hazards.

Mogale City’s senior communications practitioner, Tendani Shavani, continued that heavy downpours, severe thunderstorms, hail and strong winds are expected to strike from Monday, posing a significant danger to lives and infrastructure.

“The intense weather may result in widespread flooding, damage to roads and impacts on human settlements, with low-lying areas facing the highest risk,” Shavani said.

In partnership with the West Rand District Disaster Management Centre, Shavani added that the municipality is calling on all residents to remain extremely vigilant.

While the District’s Disaster Management team will mobilise emergency services and resources, residents are strongly advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid crossing rivers or swollen streams
• Motorists should use headlights, reduce speed and avoid flooded roads
• Residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas should evacuate to higher ground
• Stay away from power lines
• Keep children away from streams, drains and ditches
• Avoid metal objects that conduct electricity, including electric fences and barbed wire
• Move away from lakes, ponds and large water bodies during lightning
• Do not shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during thunderstorms
• If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, abandon it and move to higher ground
• Follow official communication channels for the latest weather updates and safety alerts

Download the WeatherSMART APP free from the App Store:

• For Apple smartphones
• For Android smartphones