South Africans should prepare for disruptive and heavy rains in the country’s central and eastern regions. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) cautions pedestrians, drivers, and the general public about the severe weather conditions from this Sunday through at least Wednesday as they resume their economic activities.
All road users and the general public must exercise caution and readiness due to the anticipated prolonged rainfall and the risks that come with it. Sunday is predicted to bring widespread 80% and scattered 60% showers and thundershowers to KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, the North West, and the southern regions of Mpumalanga and Gauteng. Rainfall accumulation is predicted to increase significantly, with amounts between 50 and 70 mm.
As a result, there is a chance of road flooding, slick surfaces, and widespread flash flooding. In a statement, SAWS cautioned motorists to make sure their cars are safe for the road, drive carefully, and use headlights while keeping their speed down. Because it is inevitable that some low-water bridges will overflow and have strong water currents that could sweep away vehicles and cause property damage and fatalities, the weather service advises drivers to stay away from low-water roads and bridges. According to the statement, summer thunderstorms typically only occur in the afternoon and early evening.
However, showers are predicted to occur at any time of day due to the constant flow of warm, humid air from northern countries into South Africa. This implies that even between 18:00 in the evening and 1:00 in the morning, one could anticipate regular or even intense showers.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) states that drivers should refrain from operating a vehicle during these crucial hours. In order to prevent additional deaths, the SAWS, in partnership with the RTMC, would like to encourage drivers, pedestrians, and the general public to exercise extra caution and vigilance on the roads during this festive season, as there have already been more road fatalities reported than in previous years.