The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued its second-highest weather alert – Orange Level 9 – warning of disruptive heavy rainfall set to trigger widespread flooding across Gauteng and the Highveld regions of Mpumalanga from tonight through Sunday.
Forecaster Letlhogonolo Thobela confirmed the severe outlook, stating:
“We are issuing a weather warning update for disruptive rain that’s expected to result in flooding conditions, fast-flowing streams, and significant danger to life and property over Gauteng and the highveld of Mpumalanga.”
The warning, effective immediately, targets:
- All of Gauteng (including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni, and Soweto)
- Southern and central Mpumalanga Highveld (Emalahleni, Middelburg, Bethal, and surrounds)
Expected Impacts (Level 9 Criteria)
| Risk | Details |
|---|---|
| Flash Flooding | Low-lying bridges, informal settlements, and urban drainage systems overwhelmed |
| Road Hazards | Major routes (N1, N3, N4) at risk of closure; submerged vehicles likely |
| Infrastructure Damage | Power outages, fallen trees, damaged homes |
| Human Safety | Risk of drowning in streams; evacuations possible in vulnerable areas |
SAWS predicts persistent thunderstorms with hourly rainfall rates exceeding 50mm, potentially dumping 100–150mm over 48 hours in isolated areas – comparable to the deadly April 2019 Johannesburg floods.