A level four weather warning for severe thunderstorms was issued to Pretoria on Monday afternoon, and more thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday.

According to the SA Weather Services (SAWS), the level four warning is in place until midnight on Monday.

The level two warning is in place for Tuesday.

The SAWS advised the public to stay indoors if possible and off roads.

“Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground.”

Furthermore, flooding roads, settlements, and low-lying areas is possible.

Here are your temperatures expected in Pretoria this week:

• Monday: Max 26° Min 16°
• Tuesday: Max 29° Min 15°
• Wednesday: Max 31° Min  17°

“It is summer and we can enjoy sizzling hot days. We are now entering the festive season, with everybody looking forward to our summer holiday, late, balmy evenings, having a braai or relaxing on the beach or at the swimming pool.

“Summer is the time of heat and fun. But it is also the time when South Africa is more prone to severe weather. Apart from the Western Cape coastal areas, most other places in South Africa will experience thunderstorms, hail, rainfall and lightning.”

Here is how to stay safe during thunderstorms:

• If you are outdoors when you see or hear a thunderstorm coming, seek safe shelter immediately!
• If your hair stands on end, leave the area as fast as possible, as lightning will almost certainly strike that spot shortly.
• When you see the lightning flash, count the seconds until you hear the thunderclap. At 30 seconds – suspend all outdoor activities and seek safe shelter, as lightning strikes are close. If you count 15 seconds or less, a lightning strike could occur where you are.
• Unsafe areas during lightning or electric storms are Tall structures such as trees, telephones, and power lines. DO NOT seek shelter under trees, on hilltops, in isolated sheds or buildings or on open water.
• Avoid being near or touching Metal objects such as fences, golf carts, bicycles, and motorcycles, telephone or power lines, and steel structures such as pylons and windmills. If indoors, during a storm, stay well clear of windows and do not hold any metal object, use any electrical appliance, use the telephone or take a bath or shower.
• If you are travelling, stay inside the vehicle.
• Do not swim or play sports during a thunderstorm. Golfers and fishermen are especially at high risk.

The Tshwane EMS called on communities to observe the following safety measures:

• If possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects
• Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects
• Do not go fishing or play golf, as both golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity
• Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges, and swollen streams
• Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds, heavy rain, and/or excessive lighting can accompany storms

It furthermore calls on residents to be vigilant and to immediately report any fire or rescue incidents on 107 (toll-free) or 012 358 6300/6400. For ambulance services, call 112 (toll-free).

Residents are encouraged to monitor the warnings and alerts issued by the South African Weather Service and other credible sources.

Also read: Authorities identify chemical source in deadly food poisoning outbreak

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