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WATCH: Paarl hit by massive flooding
Paarl's rainfall on Monday was the highest recorded in 20 years.
A storm passing through Paarl on 12 December 2022. Photo: Video screenshot/Facebook/Reenval in SA
Extreme and heavy thunderstorms swept through Paarl and surrounding areas in the Western Cape on Monday.
Residents from the region said the heavy downpours and flash floods is nothing they have ever experienced before.
A destructive storm passing through was seen before strong winds and heavy rain began to submerge homes and vehicles.
Highest rainfall record in Paarl
Speaking to The Citizen, forecaster Kate Turner said thunderstorms do not often happen during summer in Paarl but said they were not unusual.
Turner said Monday’s rainfall was the highest recorded in the area in 20 years.
“Yesterday’s rainfall for Paarl (40mm in 24hr period) was a record for December since the opening of the station in 1993. The previous record was 35mm in December 2002,” said Turner.
More rain is expected to hit the area on Friday with 60% chances of showers and 30% on Saturday.
ALSO READ: KZN beefs up disaster management to prepare for heavy rain
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Vehicles and infrastructure flooded
Multiple videos shared online gives a peak into the severity of the destructive floods and motorists driving through large bodies of water.
Watch: Mediclinic Paarl Hospital roof collapsed due to the heavy downpours
It is reported the staff had to evacuate the patients to safety.
Watch: Absa Paarl employees seen vacating the offices and running to safety
Watch: Roof collapses at bakery
Motorists could also be seen driving though large body of water at a mall in the area.
La Rochelle Girls’ High School in Paarl was also at the mercy of the flash floods.
Western Cape thunderstorm warning
Meanwhile the South Africa Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level three warning after heavy rain was recorded in the western and central parts of the Western Cape.
On Tuesday SAWS reported that strong gusty winds, associated with excessive lightning and small hail, is expected to hit the eastern parts of the province.
The impacts of the heavy rain:
- Flash flooding of roads and susceptible settlement
- Danger to life on crossing of fast flowing streams
- Damage to vehicles and difficulty driving conditions
- Possible major travel disruptions
- Loss of agricultural productions
- Disruptions to essential services
NOW READ: Level 2 warning issued for heavy rain, severe thunderstorms in five provinces
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