Wet weekend with possible flooding expected in Gauteng and other parts of SA
A wet weekend with possible flooding, severe thunderstorms, hail and strong winds is expected in Gauteng and other parts of SA on Saturday and Sunday.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for these conditions.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
It is monitoring a potential risk of road flooding for motorists across the road network in Gauteng and other provinces this Saturday and Sunday.
“On a broader scale, residents in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State, and North West, as well as the northern areas of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern and Western Cape, should be aware of the risk of flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas,” the SAWS said.
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) December 3, 2021
A cut-off low pressure system is expected to make landfall in the west causing widespread showers and thundershowers across most parts of RSA on Saturday and Sunday.
Evening Forecast 03 December 2021 @SABCNews @eNCA @Newzroom405 @ReenvalSA @afriwx pic.twitter.com/zHcUdTeLuD
Showery conditions are expected across many areas in the country on Saturday. This excludes the eastern regions of the Vhembe and Mopani districts.
FLASH-FLOODING IS EXPECTED IN THESE AREAS:
Flash-flooding can be expected in the low-lying areas of the eastern Free State, the southern half of North West, and Gauteng.
The Midlands, northern areas of KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga were also at risk of flooding, the SAWS said.
“The residents of informal settlements, especially those along river basins, are advised to take care, as such dwellings could be exposed to flooding.
“Disaster management practitioners are advised that some communities in the above-mentioned areas could become displaced and require emergency shelter,” it furthermore said.
SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS EXPECTED IN THESE AREAS:
According to the SAWS the extreme weather conditions anticipated in the days ahead relate to the expected development of a so-called “cut-off low pressure system” in the upper atmosphere, which is likely to be positioned over the western areas of the Northern Cape on Saturday.
“Severe thunderstorms associated with heavy downpours can be expected over the central and northern parts of the Eastern and Western Cape, the eastern areas of the Northern Cape, as well as the western parts of the Free State and North West provinces.”
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MOTORISTS WERE ADVISED TO TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN DRIVING
Motorists are further advised that driving conditions in some areas are likely to become dangerous due to poor visibility and slippery roads.
Moreover, extra care should be taken when negotiating bridges and low-water crossings that are susceptible to flash-flooding.
RISK OF LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMALL HAIL
“Other thunderstorm-related hazards include the risk of large amounts of small hail, which may cause damage to vehicles and infrastructure.
Additionally, strong winds may result in difficulty in navigation at sea with short-term disruptions of small harbours and ports between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas on Saturday,” it said.
As the weather system migrates further eastwards on Sunday, weather conditions are correspondingly expected to shift to the east.
WIND WARNING FOR SUNDAY AND MONDAY
“However, on Sunday evening and overnight into Monday morning, the cut-off low will weaken into a steep upper trough feature. Consequently, surface winds over the south-eastern parts of the country (including the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and southern Free State) will be fairly strong during this particular period.”
The SAWS said a return to the familiar cycle of the afternoon and early evening thunderstorms could be expected for the eastern parts of the country, extending from Monday to at least Thursday next week.
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