On 3 December, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has alerted all Gauteng residents that the area has been placed under weather watch from late 3 December to 5 December.
The watch has now been changed to Gauteng being in the red warning zone for severe thunderstorms with potentially heavy downpours (more than 50mm per day) and flooding. Heavy wind is also to be expected.
During severe thunderstorms, the wind can reach a speed of 100km/h, large hail can be expected (with a diameter larger than 19mm) and a possibility of tornadoes.
The SAWS has released the following thunderstorm safety measures:
– Don’t seek shelter in isolated sheds, under a tree, telephone or power line, near a electricity box, or on hilltops
– It is safe in a stable building, away from water, away from windows, or in a car if there is nowhere else to go
– If you are stuck outside during a thunderstorm, find the lowest point and crouch down
– When you are on the road, turn on your lights, reduce speed, increase following distance, and try to pull over at the nearest under-cover garage or parking area
WARNING from SAWS: Heavy rain is expected that could lead to flooding in low-lying areas in places across Gauteng
