Disruptive rain expected throughout today
Heavy rainfall could lead to localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas, SA Weather Service warned.
The SA Weather Service has issued a warning for the possibility of disruptive rainfall across Gauteng on Thursday.
“We expect an 80% chance of rain with temperatures reaching a high of 23,” said
SA Weather Service forecaster Bransby Bulo. He said more rain was expected for Friday going into the weekend. “Heavy rainfall could lead to localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas,” said Bulo.
“For Friday, we are looking at a minimum of 18 degrees and a maximum of 23. Again, we are expecting an 80% chance of rain.”
Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso urged motorists to drive with caution.
⚠️ ALERT: The SA Weather Service has issued a warning for POTENTIALLY DISRUPTIVE RAINFALL!!!
📆DATE: THURSDAY, 28 January 2021
⏰TIME: 00:00-19:59
📍 AREA: ENTIRE GAUTENG
💥POSSIBLE THREATS:
– FLOODING
– PROPERTY DAMAGE
– MAJOR TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS— Gauteng Weather (@tWeatherSA) January 27, 2021
The Tshwane metro has issued a few safety tips for motorists and residents to keep in mind this week:
– If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity.
– Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. Find safe, enclosed shelter.
“Do not forget the 30-30 rule, when you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before getting to 30, please go indoors. Suspend outdoors activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder,” said the metro.
– If no shelter is available, crouch down low with as little of your body touching the ground. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 30m away from where it struck.
– Stay away from concrete floors or walls when lightning strikes. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. You should move into a non-concrete structure if possible. In fact, about one third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.
– The excessive rain causes flooding, Tshwane advises motorists to avoid low-lying bridges during a flood. – If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, get out of the vehicle and move to higher ground.
– Don’t panic if your car become submerged in water.
– Release your seatbelt, roll down your window and get out of the car. – If your windows won’t open, let the car fill with water and then open the doors to get out.
– When exiting your car, swim to the surface immediately.
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