Heavy rains and severe thunderstorms expected
WEATHER WARNING: SAWS has issued out a weather warning of heavy rains and severe thunderstorms for today
THE South African Weather Service (SAWS) have issued two weather warnings for today.
A weather warning of heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash flooding, is expected over the KZN coast and adjacent interior (Ugu, eThekwini, iLembe, King Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakhude) from noon to 11pm this evening.
Meanwhile a weather warning of severe thunderstorms, with possible hail and strong winds, was also issued and is expected for north-western KZN (uThukela, Amajuba, Zululand and uMzinyathi) from 1pm to 9pm this evening.
The King Cetshwayo District Municipality have informed the ZO that they are on high alert to respond to any emergencies.
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According to Arrive Alive (AA), if you are caught on the road in bad weather conditions it is important to follow the following safe driving techniques:
• Make sure your headlights are on – be visible, be seen!
• Obey all road and traffic signs – safety authorities post this information with good reason.
• Be alert and drive defensively.
• Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances.
• Allow yourself enough time and space to react to a sudden emergency and to move out of harm’s way or to come to a safe stop.
• Increase your following distance – remain well behind the road user in front as stopping distances on wet roads can be ten times greater than on dry roads.
• Slow down. Braking takes longer on slippery roads — the slower you go, the easier it will be for you to maintain control and stop your vehicle.
• Don’t slow down so much that you become a risk to other drivers, rather move off the road surface than coming to a complete stall in areas of poor visibility.
• Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them.
• Use special caution near intersections. Never assume that because you have the green light or the right of way that the intersection will be clear — always scan ahead to spot potential hazards.
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes – stay in one lane as much as possible and keep both hands firmly on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.
• Remain alert by continuously scanning the whole area.
• Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control.
• Accelerate and brake very gently – drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely.
• Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions.
• If you get stuck in a bad storm and you can’t see a nearby place to seek assistance, stay put! It’s easy to get confused in a bad storm, and you may get lost.
• Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the conditions improve or help arrives.
• If you get stuck – avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by keeping the exhaust pipe clear and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
• If you encounter problems when driving in extreme heat, do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when your car is overheating and do not pour water over a hot radiator or engine. You must wait until the engine cools down.
• Never leave a child or pet in a parked car in extremely warm weather.
• Listen and obey national and local radio/TV announcements and warnings regarding road and weather conditions for your journey.
• Do not attempt to cross at a river crossing where the road has been closed – no matter how big your vehicle is!
• Buckle up! Be sure you and your passengers wear seatbelts at all times. Not only is it the law, it can also save lives, especially when driving in bad weather.
• Look out for signs warning of adverse conditions, including fixed signs, such as those warning of exposure to strong wind, and variable message signs on motorways that warn of fog, snow and which may display temporary slower speed limits.
• In the event of journeys of a necessary nature, inform family/friends of your estimated time of arrival (ETA) and carry a mobile phone.
• Ensure your mobile phone is charged and have a car charger ready, you may get stranded and need to call for help.
• If you are to be prevented from driving further, be prepared to get off the road.
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