WARNING: More rain, hail and possible flash floods predicted for today
More heavy rainfall is expected today and continuing until Saturday, according to the South African Weather Service.
Motorists are strongly urged to avoid areas and roads known for flooding.
The Advertiser’s sister paper, Germiston City News, reports that the weather service predicts a 60% chance of rain until Saturday for Gauteng.
Multiple deaths were reported after heavy downpours and flash floods in Ekurhuleni yesterday.
The downpours are expected to continue today.
Read: WATCH: Heavy downfall causes havoc in Gauteng, Springs road flooded
Severe thunderstorms, a possibility of large hail and damaging winds are expected in some areas of Gauteng from 1pm to 11pm.
Flooding is expected in various parts of Gauteng until 10pm.
Read the original article at Germiston City News.
The Automobile Association (AA) gives crucial tips on what to do when caught in a flood.
“Although flash floods are rare, when they occur, they can wreak havoc,” states the association, “yesterday’s floods again show how quickly a torrent can occur, and the extreme dangers it holds.”
The AA urged all motorists caught in floods to follow basic rules to negotiate the safest route out of these situations.
“The most important factor in dealing with floods is trying to avoid them in the first place.”
If you meet a flood anyway, some important rules need to be followed:
Firstly, if possible, turn around and drive away from the flooded area.
If this isn’t possible, try and gauge the depth of the water ahead by watching other vehicles negotiate a specific stretch of water.
Do not attempt to go through this if it is deeper than 20cm as the water may damage mechanical and electronic components in your vehicle.
Some other tips to negotiate flooded roads include:
• Do not try and cross a body of water, even if you think you can make it, as the water may be deeper than you think and the road may have eroded since you last used it.
• If there is a risk you will be caught in a flood, pull off the road and look for higher ground.
• If you do pull off, make sure you leave enough space for emergency vehicles to pass you.
• If you have no alternative but to drive through a body of water, drive as slow as possible in first gear with both hands on the steering wheel.
This will give your car the necessary traction to move forward.
Driving fast may result in aquaplaning.
• Ensure you are as visible as possible by switching on your headlights.
• If your car is being surrounded by water, unfasten your seat belt (and those of any children with you), unlock your doors, and open your windows.
If water starts entering through the windows, get out of the vehicle and wade to the nearest point of safer higher ground.
Remember, you are more important than your car.
• If your car is suddenly submerged and your windows aren’t already open, try and break a window and swim to the nearest point of safety.
• If you are caught in a flood, be patient and remain calm.
The AA and emergency services will get to you but there may be delays as they have to negotiate the same hazards.
• Be especially cautious at night, or when visibility is low, as it may be harder to see floods ahead.
“Finally, it is important to remain as calm as possible in these situations and assess the best way out.
“If this means leaving your car, do that rather than attempting to get your car through, when it clearly won’t make it, as you may be endangering your life and those of any passengers with you,” the AA concludes.
Read: Slovo Park houses flooded
