Yellow Level 4 warning issued for severe storms in Gauteng and Mpumalanga

SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

The warning stated that the storms could bring heavy rain, hail and strong winds, raising the risk of flooding and damage to property.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 4 warning, cautioning that the storms could also disrupt electricity supply and communications in affected areas.

Which other areas are affected?

The warning covers Gauteng and the Mpumalanga Highveld, as well as central and southern parts of Limpopo.

The eastern parts of the Free State and North West, and KwaZulu-Natal, except the extreme north-eastern parts of the province.

According to SAWS, the thunderstorms could produce large amounts of small hail and strong winds.

lncreasing the risk of damage to settlements and property.

The combination of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms could also leave some roads flooded, particularly in areas where drainage systems struggle to cope with sudden downpours.

Residents in low-lying areas should also remain alert to possible flooding.

Strong winds could bring additional problems, including damage to structures and localised interruptions to power supplies and communication networks.

What to watch out for amid severe thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorms can develop quickly, leaving people with little time to react.

Residents should avoid seeking shelter under trees, stay away from windows during intense storms and unplug sensitive electrical appliances where possible.

SAWS advises residents to remain alert to changing weather conditions and follow updates from the weather service and local authorities.