Level 4 WARNING: Thunderstorms, 60mm of rain in Mpumalanga

The weather service said up to 60mm of rain may fall in a short timeframe, which could lead to flooding in Mpumalanga.

Oct 21, 2022 - 18:43
1123
Level 4 WARNING: Thunderstorms, 60mm of rain in Mpumalanga

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for thunderstorms in Mpumalanga on Friday, 21 October.

LEVEL 4 WEATHER WARNING FOR MPUMALANGA

The Level 4 warning is valid from 11:00 until 23:00 on Saturday, 22 October. The weather service said its models indicate that the heaviest rainfall is expected along the escarpment and Lowveld areas of Mpumalanga on Saturday.

The municipalities affected by the Level 4 warning include Ehlanzeni and parts of Gert Sibande. Other parts of Gert Sibande and Nkangala will experience less rainfall and the weather service issued a lesser Level 2 warning.

“Rainfall of 40 to 60mm is possible in places, which may fall in a short timeframe. This may result in flooding of roads, bridges and formal/informal settlements,” said the weather service.

There is also a possibility that the thunderstorms will be accompanied by gusty winds but the likelihood of significant damage remains low.

The potential impact of the thunderstorms includes:

  • Possible flooding of roads, bridges and settlements due to the heavy rain.
  • Possible travel disruption due to poor visibility or road obstructions.
  • Possible danger to life due to fast flowing water and streams.
  • Strong winds could cause minor damage to informal settlements.

READ: