WARNING: Heavy rain with the possibility of flooding on Valentine’s Day

The South African Weather Service has asked residents to be prepared for heavy rainfall leading to flooding today, February 14.

Warning:14/02/2019 01h00 TO:14/02/2019 23h00 Heavy rain- leading to localized flooding is observed in places over Mogale City, City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and the extreme southern parts of Tshwane.

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 14, 2019

Mid morning satellite image (14 Feb 2019). Warnings issued for flooding and heavy rain for northern and eastern parts of Limpopo today and a warning for localised flooding in Gauteng. Please be safe when travelling. In contrast, fine and very hot in the western half of SA. pic.twitter.com/Ps7Z3uOykR

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) February 14, 2019

In light of the sudden heavy rain, motorists are urged to be careful on the road.

A few tips to help you stay safe:

• Keep a safe driving distance.
• Drive with your head-lights on.
• Avoid speeding in the rain.
• If possible, park your vehicle under shelter and avoid driving in heavy rain.
• The best way to avoid being caught inside your car is to avoid water on the road all together.
• Don’t drive into a flooded bridge or road, if possible, try a different route.
• Listen to the radio for traffic and flood updates so as to know which routes to avoid.
• For your own safety don’t stay in a car that may get flooded.

Tips:

• If outdoors seek shelter immediately but do not seek shelter, under a tree, under telephone and/or power lines, on hilltops, in isolated sheds, under unprotected gazebo’s or picnic shelters. Find shelter in a building or vehicle.
• If there is a group of low trees separate from high trees, you can hide under the low trees, however, if the tree is alone or higher than the others stay away from it.
• Avoid being near metal objects such as,  fences, golf carts, telephone or power lines and steel structures such as pylons and windmills.
• Do not hold any metal object, use any electrical appliance, use the telephone or take a bath or shower.
• Do not play sport during thunderstorms.
• If possible stay indoors well clear of windows, shelter pets and cover vehicles, disconnect electrical appliances.
•  Unplug all electrical equipment that is not extremely important including computers.

ALSO READ:

Be careful during thunderstorms

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

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