The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms in the eastern parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, up until midnight, November 27.
Affected areas are Ba-Phalaborwa, Bushbuckridge, Collins Chabane, Fetakgomo, Greater Giyani, Greater Letaba, Greater Tzaneen, Makhado, Maruleng, Mbombela, Sabie, Molemole, Musina, Nkomazi, Thaba Chweu and Thulamela.
As a result of already saturated ground, there is a chance of localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas, bridges and informal settlements. Difficult driving conditions and travel delays can be expected in these areas.
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In its three-day forecast of November 25-27, the Inkomati Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) Hydronet Rainfall Watch predicted up to 83.7mm of rainfall for the upper Crocodile River areas of Dullstroom, Machadodorp and Ngodwana.
On the Usuthu River, Lothair was due to receive 88.1mm. The IUCMA early flood warning system indicates moderate flooding for the upper Usuthu catchment, since major dams are over 95% full.
The high dam levels may result in moderate flooding in the upper Komati and upper Usuthu catchments. The N’wanetsi catchment in the Kruger National Park is all clear. Flood watch is forecast for the Crocodile and Sabie Sand catchments.
There is a significant increase in riverflow throughout these areas. The SAWS WeatherSmart app follows storm movement.
