Extreme weather conditions expected to clear by Friday

The Citizen

3 days ago

The Emergency Service Department warns Tshwane residents to remain alert following a Yellow Level 3 warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
This as SAWS warned of severe thunderstorms over most parts of Gauteng, including Tshwane, due to a cut-off low-pressure system on Thursday, August 7.
Senior forecaster, Tokelo Chiloane, said the low-pressure system is expected to exit on Thursday.
'Temperatures in Pretoria will gradually increase on Friday, and reach 20 degrees Celsius by Monday,' she said.
She said however, minimum temperatures will remain below 10 degrees Celsius throughout the weekend.
'The severe thunderstorms are expected to persist from about 00:00 until about 21:59 on August 7, with 60% chance of rain occurring in Tshwane,' said Emergency Services spokesperson, Lindsay Mnguni.
He said maximum temperatures are also expected to be low, due to the low-pressure system's core moving over Gauteng.
Mnguni also said high chances of rainfall, snowfalls, and thunderstorms are expected in most parts of the country, and road-users are warned to be careful of slippery roads.
'The severe weather conditions will affect road conditions and the stability of driving safely in rainy, icy conditions,' he said.
Mnguni warned that 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 open areas
– Damaging winds and excessive lightning which may result in house or other structural fires
– Disruptions to traffic due to major roads being flooded
– 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)
– Fast flowing streams and rivers endangering people's lives.
He called on communities to observe safety measures such as:
– 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.
Mnguni said the Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor weather reports and remain on high alert throughout the metro for any related emergencies to protect life and property.
'Residents are strongly urged 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.'
He said the weather service also encourages residents download and use the WeatherSmart App to monitor and track storms.
People are urged to be vigilant and 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 so that the operator can phone you back, should they need to do so,' he said
Residents are urged to remain alert and safe during this cold season by taking the following extra precautions and safety measures:
– Keep heaters away from combustible materials such as curtains, bedding, and furniture
– Never leave children unattended near heaters, fires, or open flames
– Avoid illegal electricity connections which pose serious fire and electrocution risks
– Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords
– Never leave a brazier (imbawula), coal fire, or open flame burning overnight without proper supervision
– Do not use water to extinguish electrical or flammable liquid fires, such as paraffin fires
– Use sand or a dry chemical powder fire extinguisher to safely put out paraffin or flammable liquid fires.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.