SEVERE thunderstorms with HAIL expected in several areas of SA

A Level 2 warning for SEVERE thunderstorms with HAILfor several parts of the country was issued for Sunday. 

THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WITH HAIL ARE EXPECTED AROUND MIDDAY

According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), heavy downpours and flash flooding may result in difficult driving conditions, especially over dirt roads. 

“The strong and gusty winds, excessive lightning and possibly large hail could cause localised structural damage in mostly informal areas as well as localised disruption to essential services.” 

SAWS

It furthermore warned that the thunderstorms are expected to start around midday on Sunday.

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THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED

These areas will be affected: 

• Khâi-Ma 
• Pofadder
• Hantam
• Calvinia
• Karoo Hoogland
• Sutherland
• Beaufort West
• Laingsburg
• Prince Albert

“If possible, stay indoors, away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf, as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds, and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.” 

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THESE AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED BY VELD FIRES:

Meanwhile, also on Sunday the SAWS issued a veld fire warning for the following areas: 

• Moses Kotane
• Pilanesberg
• Rustenburg
• Ditsobotla
• Lichtenburg
• Kai !Garib
• Augrabies Falls

WHAT TO DO WHEN VELD FIRES APPROACH YOUR PROPERTY

What you should do when veld fire approaches your property: 

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• Decide whether it is safer to stay or leave the scene.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Have emergency food and medical supplies ready.
• Move livestock to safer areas.
• Listen to the radio for news updates.
• Wet the garden and house, especially on the side of the approaching fire.
• Plug gutters and fill them with water.
• Fill baths, buckets and dust bins with water in case the water supply fails, and have mops handy.
• Seal any gaps between the doors and floor using wet towels or similar items.
• Close all windows and doors.
• If you decide to stay, go indoors and remain there until the fire has passed.
• Take fire hoses and other firefighting equipment indoors with you.
• Check inside the house, including the roof cavity, and extinguish any small fires immediately.
• Remain vigilant after the fire has passed.
• If you decide to evacuate your home, remember that every second counts:
• Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and make sure everyone in the family gathers at an agreed meeting place outside.
• Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.
• Practise feeling your way out with your eyes closed.
• Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
• Practice your family emergency plan / home escape plan frequently with your family.
• Never return to a burning building for any reason, you could die.
• Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a home fire.

“Conditions are such that the Fire Danger Index (FDI) is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.”

SAWS

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