Severe storm hits Vryheid as SAWS warns of more rain
Storm causes flooding, fallen trees and outages as more rain is forecast.
Residents of Vryheid were left dealing with flooding, uprooted trees and power outages after severe storm battered the town late this afternoon (Thursday).
Flooding and storm damage reported
Heavy rain and strong winds swept through the area, causing localised flooding in low-lying areas while several trees were uprooted during the storm. Parts of town were also left without electricity as the severe weather disrupted power infrastructure.
SAWS warns of widespread rainfall
The storms come as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of persistent rainfall and severe thunderstorms expected across large parts of South Africa in the coming days.
According to SAWS, a sustained spell of tropically sourced rainfall is expected to affect the central and eastern interior of the country through the weekend. The rainfall is likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms, some of which could become severe with heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and intense lightning.
Tropical Temperate Trough developing
The weather service said the conditions are linked to a developing Tropical Temperate Trough (TTT), a weather system that transports moisture from tropical regions into mid-latitude systems, often resulting in widespread and persistent rainfall.
Safety warnings for residents
Warnings have already been issued for several provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, where thunderstorms and heavy rainfall may lead to localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and along roads.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious during severe storms, avoid crossing flooded roads and stay updated with official weather alerts.
The weather service said it will continue to monitor the system closely and issue further updates as the situation develops.
The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.Â
