JOHANNESBURG - The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms and heavy downpours across parts of the country this weekend.
The warning, valid from this afternoon, is expected over Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
For the Western Cape, a Yellow Level 1 warning of damaging winds for Saturday has been issued.
It comes after a week of heatwaves in various areas.
READ | Joburg residents urged to take precautions as heatwave continues
The City’s Emergency Management Services has urged residents, particularly those in low-lying areas, to avoid crossing flooded roads, rivers and streams.
Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi extended the same caution to motorists.
“We are pleading with our residents, especially those in our low-lying areas, to avoid crossing rivers and streams while conducting their daily activities.
“We encourage our motorists to exercise caution while driving, extend a safe following distance and try to avoid crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges.”
Mulaudzi said emergency service authorities will remain on high alert, monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies which might occur.