WhatsApp warning messages about a ‘Storm Dineo’ declared a hoax

WhatsApp messages containing a storm warning for Johannesburg have been making the rounds. The South African Weather Service (Saws) has, however, confirmed that the messages regarding a “Storm Dineo” are a “hoax”. 

SAWS SAYS ‘STORM DINEO’ IS A HOAX 

Saws took to Twitter on Wednesday 27 May to set the record straight. 

“Good evening, please note that there is a WhatsApp message doing the rounds about a storm hitting Johannesburg this evening. This is a hoax. Please do not distribute,” it said. 

Later on Wednesday, Saws sent out another message: 

“A hoax message is doing the rounds on WhatsApp about “storm Dineo” that will be hitting South Africa, Johannesburg and Jhb south as of tonight. Please note that this is incorrect. It is illegal to send out such a hoax message. Please do not forward hoax messages,” it added. 

The “storm warning” making its rounds on WhatsApp basically said that the department of meteorology issued a statement about a “Storm Dineo” that would be hitting Johannesburg and Johannesburg South on Wednesday evening. 

The message said residents could expect wind speeds of between 30 and 90km/h which could cause damage to property. This obviously caused panic amongst those living in Johannesburg and who received the message. 

The message also came with certain steps that had to be followed like making sure all equipment in offices and at home are switched off and unplugged. 

The message also instructed residents to let other people know of their whereabouts in case of an emergency, to close all their windows and doors, to suspend all planned trips and to avoid open fires, gas and candles. The message also contained numbers for the police, fire and emergency services and paramedics. 

WEATHER FORECAST FOR THURSDAY ACCORDING TO SAWS

Saws said certain parts of South Africa can expect some frost on Thursday morning. 

“Frost conditions expected over the Free State, North West, eastern Northern Cape, southern Gauteng and Highveld of Mpumalanga on Thursday morning (28 May 2020),” it said. 

⚠️Advisory: Frost conditions expected over the Free State, North West, eastern Northern Cape, southern Gauteng and Highveld of Mpumalanga on Thursday morning (28 May 2020).

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) May 27, 2020

Saws also listed the expected minimum and maximum temperatures for Thursday. 

“Another cold night and morning ahead with frosty areas across the central interior in the morning. Day time temperatures gradually improve from tomorrow. Stay warm!” it said. 

Saws said parts of the Cape Metropole could expect localised flooding on Thursday but did not speak of a flood for Gauteng and most definitely not any word on a “Storm Dineo”.