ALERT: Severe thunderstorms could strike this Wednesday afternoon

Take the necessary precautions when travelling in wet weather conditions.

The SA Weather Service has issued a warning to watch out for the possibility of severe thunderstorms which can results in heavy downpours, localised flooding and strong winds on Wednesday afternoon.

The storms are expected to hit from 5pm, Wednesday afternoon to early Thursday morning across Gauteng.

Watch:20/11/2019 17h00 TO:21/11/2019 05h00 Severe Thunderstorms- are expected in Gauteng from late afternoon today (Wednesday) continuing into tomorrow early morning (Thursday) which can result in heavy downpours and localized flooding as well as strong winds.

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 20, 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.

Seeing that the thunderstorm season is upon us, here is a reminder of the difference between normal and severe thunderstorms.
REMEMBER: When thunder roars, go indoors! #BeWeatherSMART @_ArriveAlive @N3Route @huisgenoot @landbou @GrainSA @AgriSAOfficial @FarmersWeeklySA pic.twitter.com/0V9d2DrqX2

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) October 3, 2019

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.

What to do when thunderstorms are all around you? ⛈️
View these cards to see where not seek shelter & where it is safe. Thank you @Mthombenilg for the beautiful photos! #WeatherSMART @_ArriveAlive @N3Route @NationalCoGTA @vslandbou @landbou @GrainSA @AgriSAOfficial @huisgenoot pic.twitter.com/AGApssiNld

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 20, 2019