WEATHER UPDATE: Widespread rain expected to continue for KZN

On Wednesday, the heaviest rain is expected along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal where there will the added effect of the low-level onshore flow of the wind caused by the ridge of the surface high pressure system.

December 6, 2017

Tersia Gopi 2 minutes read

South Africans can expect sustained rainfall over the central and eastern parts of the country, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

The rain is expected to fall heavier (more than 50mm in a 24-hour period), leading to a serious risk of flash flooding.

The areas likely to be most affected are central and eastern North West, northern and north-eastern Free State, Gauteng, southern Mpumalanga, as well as north-western KwaZulu-Natal and the Midlands.

MEDIA RELEASE – Rainy weather expected over the eastern parts of the country 4 – 6 December 2017. pic.twitter.com/bYIvdGDosN

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) December 4, 2017

In a media statement released on Monday (December 4) SAWS said the weather was a result of an approaching trough (extension of low pressure) in the upper levels of the atmosphere, interacting with the moist and unstable air from the tropics.

“Indications are that some places may receive as much as 100mm in a 36-48 hour period. This would result in potential incidents of flooding.

“On Wednesday, the heaviest rain is expected along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal where there will the added
effect of the low-level onshore flow of the wind caused by the ridge of the surface high pressure system.”

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Morning satellite image (6 December 2017) – Cloudy conditions over the eastern and south-eastern parts and in places over the central. Scattered to widespread showers & thundershowers expected over the east, otherwise isolated, except over the extreme western and southern parts. pic.twitter.com/7wrZWDV21v

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) December 6, 2017

As a result of this expected adverse weather, the public is made aware of the following impacts that can be experienced:
– Flooding of roads and settlements
– Occasional poor road visibility
– Fast flowing streams pose danger to life
– Displacement of affected communities
– Damage to property, infrastructure and loss of livelihood

Precautions to take during flooding:

– If walking outdoors, avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles
– Just 15cm of fast-moving flood water can knock a person off their feet and a depth of 60cm feet is
enough to wash away a car
– NEVER drive on a road covered by water. You do not know how deep it is or if the road has been
washed away.
– If trapped within a vehicle by rising waters, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground
– Listen to special warnings on radio/or television
– Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognise flood dangers

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