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Brace for heavy rain, hail and snow

Heavy rain, hail, snow and cold weather conditions are expected this week, as a cut-off low weather system sweeps across most parts of the country. According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cut-off low system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa today, and move slowly eastwards, likely to exit the country by Saturday. 'Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 50mm in the eastern regions today and tomorrow. 'Severe thunderstorms associated with flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods and livestock [are expected], especially over the Free State and North West. There is also a distinct possibility of damaging hail occurring in association with the thunderstorms,' SAWS said in a statement. SA News reports that snowfall is also expected over the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, KZN and the Eastern Cape during this period. In addition, daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across most parts of the country from today, with a gradual recovery from Friday onwards. Extended weather forecast for Thursday and Friday, 24-25 April 2025: Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern parts, but widespread in places in the east. Snow is possible over the mountains in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape#SAWS — SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) April 22, 2025 Heavy rain and hail expected in Pretoria Pretoria Rekord reports that residents have been urged to stay indoors as severe thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail and possible flooding are expected. Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni says a yellow level 2 warning has been issued by SAWS for today for severe thunderstorms over most parts of Gauteng, including Tshwane. They are expected to persist from about 11:00 until about midnight. '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 SAWS and other credible sources, and to immediately follow the recommended safety tips.' Mnguni says SAWS encourages the public to load and use the WeatherSmart App to monitor and track storms. According to VoxWeather forecaster Michelle du Plessis: 'Widespread and heavy rain are possible along the east coast, KZN, 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 KZN, the Wild Coast and surrounding areas in the Eastern Cape, as well as parts of the Free State.' ❄️SNOW & RAIN FORECAST | 22–25 April 🌧️ A CUT-OFF LOW & HIGH-PRESSURE system will bring COLD & WET weather this week! ⚠️Up to 100mm rain likely in parts of KZN, EC & Free State ❄️5cm+ SNOW expected in Lesotho, especially around Tiffindell & Afri Ski#voxweather #snowinsa — Vox Weather (@VoxWeatherZa) April 22, 2025 Disaster teams on high alert in KZN The Witness reports that the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has placed disaster management teams on high alert across KZN following a level 4 warning for disruptive rain. The affected areas include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma, Indaka, Inkosi Langalibalele, Estcourt, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Emthonjeni, eThekwini, Impendle, Maphumulo, Mpofana, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mtshezi, Ndwedwe, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Ulundi, uMhlathuze, uMlalazi, uMsinga, uMvoti, uPhongolo and uThukela. SAWS says persistent rainfall is expected, which may lead to flooding of roads and settlements and potential damage to infrastructure over parts of KZN today. Residents can expect widespread showers and thundershowers over KZN, along with heavy downpours that may result in a low likelihood of significant impacts in the above areas. Buthelezi urges residents to exercise caution during this period. 'Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where the water is above your ankles. In rural areas, please move livestock to safer, higher ground,' said Buthelezi. He said that disaster management teams across the province are on high alert and will be closely monitoring the weather conditions. Specialised teams are ready to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise. The following precautions and impacts were combined from information supplied by Mnguni and Buthelezi. What you should do Stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid metal objects that conduct electricity, like barbed wire fences and powerlines, as these can be struck by lightning Avoid outdoor activities like fishing or playing golf in the rain, as rods and clubs can attract lightning Move away from and out of bodies of water if you are caught outdoors during lightning Do not shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during a thunderstorm Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges or swollen streams If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and move to higher ground In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level Potential impacts of severe weather Flooding of settlements, roads and bridges Damage to low-lying infrastructure and mud-based houses Difficult driving conditions Major disruption of traffic flow due to closed or flooded roads Heavy downpours causing localised flooding, especially in low-lying areas, flat plains and vulnerable roads Large amounts of small hail over open areas Damaging winds and excessive lightning, which may cause fires in homes or other structures Minor to major vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slippery conditions Localised service disruptions caused by power failures or infrastructure damage Damage to roofs and structures in both formal and informal settlements Danger to life from fast-flowing streams and rivers Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to any safety instructions issued by authorities. 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