WEATHER WARNING: Heavy rain will continue into tonight
Disaster management teams are on alert.
The public is urged to be careful as the South African Weather Service has issued a heavy rain warning for the South Coast.
The rain which started shortly after 1pm is expected to continue until 11pm tonight.
The affected areas are Ugu, Harry Gwala, uMgungundlovu, Ilembe and King Cetshwayo districts as well as eThekwini.
ALSO READ: Wet weather: what to do if you are caught in a flash flood
KZN MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Sipho Hlomuka has placed disaster management teams on alert.
The warning indicates a high possibility of heavy rains, which can lead to localised flooding and reduced visibility.
“We have placed our teams on alert as inclement weather conditions continue to pose a serious risk to residents in our province. Our teams are monitoring areas that are prone to flooding and will be able to respond to emergencies,” said Mr Hlomuka.
“We are appealing to residents to exercise great caution and to remain vigilant at all times as the threat posed to human life by heavy rains is increasing. We also call upon parents to ensure that pupils utilise safe routes to get to school,” he added.
Tips to be safe on the road:
- Turn on your headlights.
- Be extra careful during the first half hour after the rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
- Increase the three second rule to 5 to 6 seconds to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
- As the roads are wet, slow down. Take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually.
- Never use the brakes suddenly because this may cause the car to skid.
- Be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
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