Level 2 severe thunderstorm warning with hail issued for Tshwane
Residents are advised to familiarise themselves with hail safety tips.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in Tshwane from midday.
Saws warned of large amounts of small hail and excessive lightning that could cause localised damage to property.
A level 2 warning is given for weather events with a high likelihood, but minor impact.
Areas of Mpumalanga including Witbank and east to Piet Retief were given a level 5 warning for weather conditions with a significant impact.
Hail safety tips:
– Keep tabs on the weather forecast, news apps, websites and social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter which will inform you about an approaching hailstorm.
– If you are in a place where there is shelter, it is important to stay there until the storm subsides.
When driving on the road:
– Do not park your vehicle under a tree as there is risk of debris or branches falling on to your vehicle, especially thorn trees.
– Look for cover when you are caught off-guard in a hailstorm, this can be under a covered car park or petrol station. Drivers also need to be cautious when pulling over, hazard lights should be on so that the safety of both the driver and others on the road is not put at risk.
– Stay in your vehicle until the storm has passed.
– If there is no shelter, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Hail damage to your vehicle is inevitable, but it is however safer not to drive during a hail storm as visibility is poor, roads are slippery and drivers risk aquaplaning through deep pools of hail and water.
– Since temperatures drop during a hail storm, vehicle windows will fog up and hamper visibility. It is critical that the vehicle’s defogger functions properly.
When you are in your house:
– You must ensure that gutters are cleaned and free of debris so that ice and water can move from the roof.
– Outdoor equipment and furniture should be moved undercover when a heavy storm is forecast.
– Structures of roofs should be monitored thoroughly to ensure they do not buckle under the weight of the hail in the event of a blocked drainage system.
The rest of the week is expected to remain cloudy with showers and thundershowers, especially in the evenings.
Despite the cloudy weather, maximum temperatures will remain high.
Tuesday is expected to reach a maximum of 30°C with afternoon showers and thundershowers extending into the night.
Wednesday will reach a maximum of 28°C with afternoon and evening showers and thundershowers.
Thursday and Friday will both reach a maximum of 30 °C, with a chance of showers in the evening.
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