Pretoria residents have been urged to stay indoors and alert as severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail, and possible flooding are expected.

Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni said a Yellow Level 2 warning issued by the South African Weather Service for Wednesday for severe thunderstorms over most parts of Gauteng, including Tshwane.

“The severe thunderstorms are expected to persist from about 11:00 until about midnight on Wednesday, April 23 2025, with 60 to 80 % chances of rain occurring in Tshwane.”

He said the impact of severe thunderstorms may include the following:

• Heavy downpours which may lead to localised flooding, especially of susceptible low-lying areas, flat plains and susceptible roads.

• Large amounts of small hail over an open area

• Damaging winds and excessive lightning which may result in house or other structural fires.

• Disruptions to traffic due to major roads being flooded.

• Minor to major vehicle accidents due to poor driving visibility and slippery road conditions. • Localised service disruptions due to power failures and other damage to infrastructure.

• Damage to formal and informal settlement houses or structures (roofs).

• Danger to life due to fast flowing streams and rivers. We call on communities to observe the following safety measures:

• If possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines etc) which may be hit by lightning.

• Avoid outdoor activities such as fishing or playing golf in the rain as the fishing rods and golf clubs may attract lightning.

• When outdoors during lightning activity, immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.

• Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects if there is a thunderstorm.

• Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges and swollen streams. • If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground.

• In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level.

“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor the weather reports and remain on high alert throughout the City for any related emergencies to protect life and property. Residents are strongly urged and encouraged to stay informed and monitor short-term weather forecasts and any warnings or alerts issued by the South African Weather Service and other credible sources, and to immediately follow the recommended safety tips.“

Mnguni said the South African Weather Service is also encouraging the public to load and use the WeatherSmart App to monitor and track a storm.

“We further call on residents to be vigilant and to immediately report any fire or rescue incident by calling 107 toll-free or alternatively calling 012 358 6300/6400.

“When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are to give the correct address, and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they require to do so.“

Meanwhile, VoxWeather warned that Pretoria will feel the chill as a powerful cold front sweeping across South Africa this week is set to bring icy temperatures, heavy rain, and snowfall to several regions. And while

Pretoria won’t see snow, residents are urged to brace for a significant chill and possible downpours as the weather system moves in.

According to VoxWeather forecaster Michelle du Plessis, a strong cut-off low combined with a surface high-pressure system will bring in cold and wet weather to parts of the country this week.

“Widespread and heavy rain are possible along the east coast, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, parts of the Free State, Gauteng, North West, the Highveld and surrounding regions.

“Models are showing the likelihood of AROUND 100MM of rain throughout this week along the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal, the Wild Coast and surrounding areas in the Eastern Cape as well as parts of the Free State.”

Also read: Pretoria to feel the chill as snow falls elsewhere

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