Severe thunderstorms with flooding predicted for Tuesday

A level 4 warning has been issued for severe thunderstorms with flooding for Tuesday for Pretoria.

According to the SA Weather Services (SAWS), stormy weather conditions are expected to be over Gauteng, the eastern parts of the North West province, the extreme north-eastern Free State, and the extreme southwestern parts of Limpopo.

“Severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads and localised damage to infrastructure.”

This comes after the SAWS issued a heatwave advisory until Monday over the weekend.

“It is summer and we can enjoy sizzling hot days. We are now entering the festive season, with everybody looking forward to our summer holiday, late, balmy evenings, having a braai or relaxing on the beach or at the swimming pool.

“Summer is the time of heat and fun. But it is also the time when South Africa is more prone to severe weather. Apart from the Western Cape coastal areas, most other places in South Africa will experience thunderstorms, hail, rainfall and lightning.”

Here is how to stay safe during thunderstorms:

• If you are outdoors when you see or hear a thunderstorm coming, seek safe shelter immediately!
• If your hair stands on end, leave the area as fast as possible, as lightning will almost certainly strike that spot shortly.
• When you see the lightning flash, count the seconds until you hear the thunderclap. At 30 seconds – suspend all outdoor activities and seek safe shelter, as lightning strikes are close. If you count 15 seconds or less, a lightning strike could occur where you are.
• Unsafe areas during lightning or electric storms are Tall structures such as trees, telephones, and power lines. DO NOT seek shelter under trees, on hilltops, in isolated sheds or buildings or on open water.
• Avoid being near or touching Metal objects such as fences, golf carts, bicycles, and motorcycles, telephone or power lines, and steel structures such as pylons and windmills. If indoors, during a storm, stay well clear of windows and do not hold any metal object, use any electrical appliance, use the telephone or take a bath or shower.
• If you are travelling, stay inside the vehicle.
• Do not swim or play sports during a thunderstorm. Golfers and fishermen are especially at high risk.

Also read: Diesel tanker on fire on the N4

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