Emergency services on high alert for level 2 flash floods

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The Joburg emergency services said it noted with concern the level 2 warning issued by the South African Weather Service of severe thunderstorms which might cause flash floods in most parts of the City of Johannesburg from Monday until Wednesday.

According to Oupa Segalwe, SAWS spokesperson, a spell of hot to very hot and mostly dry weather across large parts of the country the last few days, several weather systems are anticipated to affect parts of the country this festive weekend.

“A weak cold front along the south coast of the country and a surface high-pressure system will cause cloudy and cooler conditions with light rain along the Western Cape south coast and the Eastern Cape coastline.

“Ahead of these systems, a low-pressure over Botswana and an upper-air system will cause scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers over the Free State, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo from Sunday onwards, when local heavy rainfall and cooler conditions are possible,” he said.

Segalwe stated that current numerical weather models indicate 24-hour rainfall amounts in the order of 15-30 mm across large parts of the eastern provinces from Sunday, with heavier amounts possible over parts of the Highveld on Tuesday due to the influx of tropical moisture.

He added; “The public is urged to regularly follow any updated weather forecasts and warnings that may be issued during this time.”

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EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the water levels in most of the river streams throughout the City is almost 60% with Klipvalley which covers Orlando, Tladi, Dlamini, Kliptown recording 100% full residents of Soweto and surrounding areas are urged to avoid crossing river streams.

He further urged residents to avoid crossing river streams and to monitor young children to stay-away from river streams.

Disaster management on alert for emergency services

“We also urge motorists to exercise caution while extend safe following distance and avoid crossing flooded low-lying bridges.

“Disaster management have also been put on high alert to monitor the situation and facilitate relief to residents who might be affected by wet weather conditions,” he concluded.