JOHANNESBURG - South Africans are urged to take precautions as severe weather may affect several provinces from tonight.
The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 5 warning for heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds and possible flooding affecting parts of the Northern Cape and Gauteng.
“Such conditions could result in localised flooding, damaging winds and hail, and pose a risk to community safety. Please be alert and take necessary precautions,” the weather service said in a statement.
A Level 4 warning is also in place for the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and North West with damaging winds predicted for the Western Cape.
Emergency services and traffic authorities are monitoring conditions.
The public is advised to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors during thunderstorms and never attempt to cross flooded roads or fast-flowing water.