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
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