‘Level 9’ rain in Mpumalanga

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a pair of weather warnings for Mpumalanga on Monday, 13 February. According to the warning key, the Level 9 warning means there is a medium likelihood of severe impacts, while the Level 5 warning means there is a medium chance of significant weather-based impacts.

LEVEL 9 WEATHER WARNING FOR MPUMALANGA

The weather warnings are valid from 13:00 on Sunday until 23:00 on Monday. The Ehlanzeni municipality is affected by the Level 9 warning, while parts of Nkangala and Gert Sibande will be affected by the lesser warning.

“An easterly tropical wave will continue to enhance widespread showers and thundershowers over the Lowveld and escarpment areas of Mpumalanga,” said the weather service.

The weather service cautioned that the flooding in the Mpumalanga Lowveld, including southern Kruger National Park, may be exacerbated by further rainfall.

“Catchment and river systems are full or overflowing in some areas. These conditions may have prolonged strain on emergency personnel and disaster management.”

The potential impacts of the heavy rain include:

• Flooding of roads and settlements.
• Disruptions to traffic flow due to flooded or closed roads.
• Danger to life due to fast-flowing water.
• Communities may be cut-off and inaccessible.
• Damage to property, bridges and roads.
• Mudslides and rockfalls.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY STORM SIMPSON

READ: