SEVERAL weather warnings issued for the country TODAY

The SA Weather Service (SAWS) has issued several weather warnings for the country today, 8 May.

Weather warnings issued for several parts of the country

Several weather warnings were issued due to a cut-off low over the central parts of the country, coupled with a high-pressure system south-east of the country.

This is expected to result in a chance of showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.

The impacts include:

• A chance of showers and thundershowers over the central and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.
• Heavy downpours in places over the Wild Coast and adjacent interior, where persistent rainfall may lead to localised flooding.
• Localised flooding of susceptible settlements both formal and informal, roads, low-lying areas and bridges.
• Localised damage to mud-based and makeshift houses or structures.
• Difficult and dangerous driving conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility.
• Localised disruption to livelihoods.

Yellow level 2 weather warnings for disruptive rain resulting in floods were issued for Mpumalanga, Free State, the wild coast of the Eastern Cape, and southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

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HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING HEAVY RAIN

During extreme rainy weather, it is important to take every precaution to stay safe; here are a few tips.

• During storms, people living in low-lying areas must take special care as sudden floods might affect them.
• They should monitor the rising water levels and evacuate to a safer place or higher spot when the water level rises.
• Use other routes and do not cross through flooded roads or bridges.
• Avoid crossing low-lying bridges, streams, and rivers.
• Never try to walk, swim, or drive in swift-flowing water as it can sweep you off your feet.
• Motorists must be very careful and avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Drive to and park at safer areas.
• Monitor weather alerts on radio and television.
• Contact municipal disaster management centers, the nearest police station, or call the national emergency numbers (112, 10177, or 107) when faced with threats.
• Do not try to drive over a low-water bridge if water is flowing strongly across it and the ground is not visible.
• Teach children about the dangers of floods.

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• Keep important documents in a water-resistant container.
• Keep cell phones in close proximity and have emergency numbers at hand.
• Be especially vigilant at night as it is harder to recognize potentially deadly road hazards.
• Do not camp or park cars along rivers or washes, especially during heavy rains or thunderstorms.
• If on foot, be aware that low moving water can also be dangerous during flood conditions.
• Do not walk into moving water.

“Communities are encouraged to try to avoid contact with any flood waters as it may be contaminated with raw sewage, oil, or other dangerous substances and may also be charged with electricity from fallen power lines.” the statement by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs concluded.

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