SAWS issued a yellow level 2 warning for possible severe disruptive rains for Mbombela from this afternoon, Monday, November 11, from 15:00 until midnight.
It said the flooding of roads and formal and informal settlements is possible.

According to SAWS:
• Some communities may temporarily be inaccessible
• Major disruption of traffic flow due to major roads being flooded or closed off is possible
• Damage to roads and bridges may occur
• Disruptions to municipal services, such as water and electricity, are likely.

SAWS said in the statement that everyone should, if possible, stay indoors and off the roads, and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water rises above your ankles.

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“If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level,” it said.

 

A few tips to help drivers stay safe:
• Keep a safe driving distance.
• Drive with your headlights on.
• Avoid speeding in the rain.
• If possible, park your vehicle under shelter and avoid driving in heavy rain. The best way to avoid being caught inside your car is to avoid water on the road altogether.
• Don’t drive into a flooded bridge or road. If possible, try a different route.
• Listen to the radio for traffic and flood updates so as to know which routes to avoid.
• For your own safety, don’t stay in a car that may get flooded.

Tips for being caught outdoors:
• Seek shelter immediately, but not under a tree, under telephone and/or power lines, on hilltops, in isolated sheds, or under unprotected gazebos or picnic shelters. Find shelter in a building or vehicle.
• If there is a group of low trees separate from some high trees, you can hide under the low trees. However, if the tree is alone or higher than the others, stay away from it.
• Avoid metal objects such as fences, golf carts, telephone or power lines and steel structures such as pylons and windmills.
• Do not hold any metal object, use any electrical appliance, use the telephone or take a bath or shower. Do not play sport during thunderstorms.
• If possible stay indoors, well clear of windows. Shelter your pets and cover your vehicles, and disconnect electrical appliances.

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