By Mapaballo Borotho
- The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 5 weather warning for Gauteng due to expected severe thunderstorms.
- The warning indicates a medium likelihood of heavy rainfall that could cause flooding, damaging winds, hail and excessive lightning.
- Residents are urged to remain alert as the storms could damage infrastructure and disrupt essential services.
You have probably seen weather warnings when checking the forecast for your area. However, they can sometimes be confusing especially when they are described using colours such as yellow or orange.
This week, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued an Orange Level 5 warning, urging residents in Gauteng to be on the lookout for severe thunderstorms from Thursday into the weekend.
According to SAWS meteorologist Lehlohonolo Thobela, an Orange Level 5 warning indicates heavy rainfall that could have a significant impact on communities.
“There’s a medium likelihood of severe thunderstorms that may result in significant impacts of heavy rain, which could lead to localised flooding, damaging winds, and a possibility of hail and excessive lightning — especially over the central interior,” said Thobela.
“These storms may also bring very heavy rainfall and frequent lightning within a short space of time.”
The severe weather could lead to several impacts, including:
- Damage to infrastructure, informal settlements, property, vehicles, livelihoods and livestock.
- Disruptions to essential municipal services such as education, healthcare, communication and power supply.
- Flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.
- Vehicle accidents and service disruptions due to power surges or outages.
“The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor weather conditions and issue severe weather warnings when necessary,” Thobela added.
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