Storm Alerts Issued: Gauteng, Mpumalanga Brace for Severe Thunderstorms

Gauteng and Mpumalanga residents are being urged to stay alert as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms on Monday. Afternoon storms are expected to bring heavy downpours, with rainfall rates of 15 to 20mm per hour, raising concerns over flash flooding in low-lying areas.

Strong Winds, Dangerous Conditions

Along with the thunderstorms, SAWS has warned of strong winds that could topple trees, damage informal structures, and make travel hazardous. In the eastern Free State and western KwaZulu-Natal, a separate Yellow Level 2 warning for damaging winds has been issued. The forecaster cautioned that some communities could see damage to infrastructure, while transport routes may be disrupted.

The wind risk is particularly concerning for rural areas, where flimsy housing structures and open farmlands are most vulnerable. SAWS also flagged the possibility of runaway veld fires, a danger familiar to many farming communities this time of year.

Coastal Threats and Fire Risks

The weather woes don’t stop inland. Coastal regions between Plettenberg Bay and East London have been placed under a Yellow Level 1 warning for damaging waves, expected from Monday afternoon. Holidaymakers and fishermen along the Eastern Cape coastline are urged to be cautious, as high seas could put lives at risk.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Cape’s north-east and North West’s western parts, a high fire danger warning has been declared. Hot, dry conditions mixed with strong winds create a volatile recipe for fires that can spread rapidly.

What to Expect This Week

Looking ahead, SAWS forecasts scattered showers and thunderstorms across much of the central and eastern interior of South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal is likely to see the brunt of the weather, with damaging winds and isolated severe storms predicted over the southern interior. Along the southern coast, destructive waves may batter communities already dealing with coastal erosion.

Community Reactions

On social media, Gauteng residents expressed a mix of relief and frustration. Some welcomed the rains after weeks of dry heat, while others worried about the impact on traffic, power outages, and small businesses. In rural Mpumalanga, farmers voiced concerns that sudden heavy rains could damage crops just as planting season kicks off.

A Familiar Pattern

South Africans know the drill, October through December often brings storm season, with unpredictable bursts of rain and hail. But SAWS’ warnings highlight how these storms are becoming more dangerous, with winds and flash floods increasingly common.

For now, officials urge residents to stay indoors where possible, avoid flooded roads, and keep an eye on updates from the weather service. As storm season ramps up, vigilance is key to staying safe.

{Source: IOL}

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