Weather warning issued for severe thunderstorms in the City of Johannesburg

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 1 weather warning for severe thunderstorms with the potential for strong damaging winds and flooding today, November 19.

This is expected from late this afternoon into the evening and the following areas may be affected:

• Mogale City
• Rand West City – Randfontein
• Rand West City – Westonaria
• City of Johannesburg
• Metro area Bela-Bela
• City of Tshwane
• Ekurhuleni
• Emakhazeni
• Emalahleni
• Emfuleni
• Lekwa
• Lesedi
• Midvaal
• Msukaligwa
• Steve Tshwete
• Thabazimbi
• Thembisile Hani
• Victor Khanye

Take note of the following safety measures when driving in a storm:

• Ensure that your headlights and brake lights are working
• Check that your tyres are in good shape and condition
• Do not speed, and maintain a safe following distance to allow you to brake without struggling, should you be required to stop suddenly
• Buckle up every time, not only when it is raining
• Do not cross low-lying bridges, even if you think you can make it
• Slow down before entering standing water on the road as this may cause your car to slide without warning, and it may be deeper than it looks
• Avoid areas where there are known to be adverse conditions
• Concentrate on the road, not anything else such as electronic devices
• If you are going to an area known to have bad weather conditions, and there is a possibility you may be stuck for extended periods, remember to to take extra blankets and appropriate clothing, and ensure you have enough fuel for the journey.