Emergency Services on Monday warned Tshwane residents to keep away from low-lying areas.
The warning comes after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a yellow level 2 warning of severe thunderstorms expected to hit the city and parts of Gauteng.
Speaking on behalf of the emergency services, Deputy Chief Charles Mabaso said his team was on high alert following the warning.
“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is monitoring the development of possible severe thunderstorms following a level 2, yellow warning for severe thunderstorms.”
According to emergency services, residents should expect localised flooding of low-lying areas, informal settlements and susceptible roads.
These heavy thunderstorms could also result in minor to major vehicle accidents, due to poor driving visibility, slippery road conditions, service disruptions due to power failures, and damage due to large amounts of small hail.
Mabaso also identified hotspots around Tshwane known for flooding, including those listed below:
– Region 1
Block KK Informal Settlement
– Region 2
Parts of Refentse (Stinkwater)
Parts of Suurman and Sekampaneng
Parts of Majaneng
– Region 3
The following low-water bridges:
Sekampaneng and Van der Hoff Road – Apies River
Rebecca Street and N4
Schutte Street and N4 train bridge
Schutte Street and Dr WF Nkomo Street
Roger Dyason Road and the industrial train bridge
– Region 4
End and Rabie Street
Blackwood Street
Centurion Lake Hotel bridge
Nellmapius bridge
Lyttelton Road
SuperSport Park bridge
– Region 6
Rubenstein, Moreleta Dam
Rossouw Street, The Willows
Old Bronkhorstspruit Road
Watermeyer/Pretoria Road
Silverlakes Road
Banana Bridge, Mamelodi
Stoffel Park, Mamelodi East
The weather service has advised residents to stay indoors and away from metal objects, adding that they should not seek shelter under trees or tall objects.
People should not go fishing or play golf, as both golf clubs and fishing rods are conductors of electricity.
The province has been experiencing hot weather conditions over the past week.
SAWS forecaster Kgolofelo Mahlangu said there was a 60% chance of rain, which could lead to localised flooding.
She said the thunderstorms were expected to end before midnight.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram