The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an orange level 9 warning for disruptive rain over Gauteng, the extreme eastern parts of North West and the extreme western parts of Mpumalanga.

According to a statement published by SAWS this afternoon, the rain could lead to widespread flooding, damage to formal and informal settlements, danger to life from fast-flowing water, communities becoming inaccessible and disruptions to essential services such as water and electricity.

Pretoria Rekord reports that the heavy rainfall is expected to peak tomorrow, with some areas possibly receiving more than 150mm.

Residents are urged to remain indoors, avoid low-lying areas, and delay travel until the weather improves.

What a level 9 warning means

• The colour orange signals significant to severe impacts.
• The number nine denotes a medium likelihood of very high impact, meaning the event is likely and could cause major disruption, infrastructure damage, flooding and a threat to life.
• Rainfall in affected areas is expected to reach 100–200mm or more in 24–48 hours, with heightened risk of flash floods, road closures, low-lying area inundation and possible infrastructure damage.

Meanwhile, the City of Tshwane said it has identified high-risk areas across all regions.

Emergency services on high alert

The emergency services department will remain on high alert and continue monitoring identified flooding hotspots. Potential impacts of severe thunderstorms include:

• Heavy downpours that may lead to localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas, flat plains and flood-prone roads.
• Large amounts of small hail over open areas.
• Damaging winds and excessive lightning, which may cause structural damage or fires.
• Traffic disruptions due to flooded major roads.
• Minor to major vehicle accidents resulting from poor visibility and slippery roads.
• Damage to houses or structures, particularly roof damage in formal and informal settlements.
• Danger to life caused by fast-flowing streams and rivers.

Safety precautions

Residents are urged to observe the following safety measures:

• Avoid metal objects that conduct electricity, such as barbed-wire fences or power lines.
• When outdoors, move away from lakes, ponds, or any large bodies of water during lightning activity.
• Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during thunderstorms.
• Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges, or swollen streams.
• If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground.

“Residents are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring short-term weather forecasts and any warnings or alerts issued by the South African Weather Service.”

The emergency services department further urges the public to remain vigilant and to report any fire or rescue incidents immediately by calling 107 (toll-free) or 012 358 6300 / 6400.

Other warnings in place

• Orange level 6 warning for disruptive rain over the eastern parts of North West, north-eastern Free State, the south-western parts of Limpopo and the highveld of Mpumalanga.
• Yellow level 4 warning for disruptive rain over northern KZN.
• Yellow level 2 warning for disruptive rain over western parts of North West, eastern Free State, and the central and eastern parts of Limpopo.

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