SEVERE thunderstorms expected NOW – here are the affected areas

A warning was issued for SEVERE thunderstorms in several parts of the country NOW.  

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH EXPECTED ON WEDNESDAY

According to South African Weather Services (SAWS) several areas will be affected by the rain and thunderstorms.

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THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED

Yellow Level 1 Warnings are issued for severe thunderstorms in these areas for NOW:

• Emakhazeni / Machadodorp
• Albert Luthuli / Carolina
• Msukaligwa / Ermelo
• Pixley Ka Seme / Amersfoort
• Newcastle
• eMadlangeni / Utrecht
• Endumeni / Dundee/eNdumeni
• Okhahlamba / Royal National Park
• Inkosi Langalibalele – Sobabili / Sobabili/Goodhom
• Port St Johns
• Mbizana / Bizana

“Take caution or avoid traveling on bridges and roads in low-lying areas as these may be susceptible to flooding and there may be sinkholes. If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, abandon it and climb to higher ground.

“Seek shelter and avoid outdoor activities in case of lightning. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level.”

South Afriican Weather Service

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The SAWS furthermore warned that localised flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying bridges is possible due to heavy downpours.

DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED DUE TO WET ROADS

“Difficult driving conditions are expected due to wet roads or pooling of water on roads, possible minor vehicle accidents. Localised damage to structures due to large amounts of small hail and localised injuries due to flying debris due to strong winds are all possibilities.”

SAWS

Meanwhile, a level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms with HAIL was issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for FRIDAY

MORE WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR FRIDAY

The SAWS said localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock could be expected due to the combination of heavy downpours, excessive lightning, and large amounts of small hail.

“Further, heavy downpours are expected to result in localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges and possibly cause minor vehicle accidents. Disruptions to municipal services and livelihoods are also possible. Excessive lightning may cause danger to life.”

THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED THUNDERSTORMS AND HAIL:

These areas will be affected by veld fires:

• Matatiele
• Ntabankulu
• Engcobo / Ncobo
• Nyandeni / Libode
• Sakhisizwe / Elliot
• Intsika Yethu / Cofimvaba
• Enoch Magijima – Molteno / Molteno
• Enoch Magijima – Tarkastad / Tarkastad
• Inxuba Yethemba / Cradock
• Amahlathi / Stutterheim
• Raymond Mhlaba – Fort Beaufort / Fort Beaufort
• Mbhashe / Dutywa

Some tips for avoiding hail damage to your car:

• Drive slowly — slower driving minimises the damage of hail and helps cope with slippery roads.
• Find a safe, covered area immediately or pull over under an overpass, provided it is safe.
• Undercover parking at malls and petrol stations are good temporary solution to protecting your car during a hail storm.
• Stay in the vehicle. Large hail stones can injure.
• Keep fleecy blankets in your boot so you can cover your car to minimise the impact of hail.
• Take careful note of the extent of the damage to your car, and look for damage to all glass items, including side mirrors, tail lights, and headlights. Taking pictures may be useful.
• If you are affected by hail, report it at once to your insurer.