Warning: Heavy storm expected today!
This thunderstorm follows a few others that have occurred since Thursday, 5 October.
Residents of the West Rand, as well as those in the greater Gauteng area, can expect a severe thunderstorm this afternoon.
According to the South African Weather Service’s forecaster, Dipuo Tawana, heavy rain, damaging winds and hail can be expected. Tawana said that these conditions can be expected any time from 1pm today.
Also Read: R’fontein weather: Slight chance of rain this weekend!
The storm warnings have been brought under the attention of Emergency Service officials. This thunderstorm follows a few others that have occurred since Thursday, 5 October.
Here are a few tips you can follow to ensure the safety of your family, pets, belongings and vehicles:
• Make sure you either watch a weather channel or listen to the news regarding the weather every day.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• A Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last of the thunder.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard-top motor vehicle (not a convertible). Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside the vehicle than outside.
• Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection as long as you are not touching metal.
• Close window shutters and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Unplug any electronic equipment well before the storm arrives.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za  (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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