Be cautious as floods and thunderstorms may hit this long weekend

Posted on April 30, 2026
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By Mapaballo Borotho

Bad weather week for South Africans: Severe thunderstorms and fire risks expected across provinces
Image @shutterstock
  • The South African Weather Service has issued a Level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms, raising concerns about flooding and infrastructure damage.
  • Several provinces, including the Northern Cape, Free State, and North West, are expected to be hardest hit.
  • Motorists are also warned of poor visibility due to fog and urged to exercise extreme caution on the roads.

South Africans have been urged to exercise extreme vigilance following a Yellow Level 4 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS).

If you’ll be on the road this long weekend, motorists are advised to practise patience and remain cautious at all times to avoid unnecessary accidents.

The warning highlights the likelihood of slow-moving thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, which may result in localised flooding and damage to vulnerable infrastructure across South Africa.

Provinces most likely to be affected include the Northern Cape, Free State, and North West, while damaging waves may develop along the coastline in parts of the Eastern Cape.

Meanwhile, fog has set in over the eastern parts of the country on Thursday morning, with visibility reported as poor to very poor.

Motorists are urged to drive slowly, keep their headlights on, and remain alert to ensure safety on the roads.

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