JOHANNESBURG - The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings on Thursday that there may be "isolated to scattered showers and possible severe thunderstorms" in parts of the North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Free State.
This warning is expected to remain in place until Saturday.
Read | Level 2 weather warning in place for several provinces
People living in these areas are warned to take extra precaution and heed the following safety tips:
- People who live in a low lying area - Sudden floods might affect them. Monitor the rising water levels and evacuate to a safer place or a higher spot.
- Do not cross through flooded roads or bridges - use other routes.
- Avoid crossing low lying bridges, streams and rivers.
- Never try to walk, swim or drive in swift-flowing water, even if water is 15 cm deep, 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
- The public must monitor weather alerts on radio and television.
When threatened contact your municipal disaster management centre, police station, call national emergency numbers (112, 10177, 107)
- Do not try to drive over a low-water bridge if water is flowing strongly across it and the ground is not visible.
- Teach your children about the dangers of floods.
- Keep your important documents in a water-resistant container.
- Keep your cell phone in close proximity to you and have emergency numbers at hand.
- Be especially vigilant at night. It is harder to recognize potentially deadly road hazards.
- Do no camp or park your car along rivers, especially during heavy rains or thunderstorms.
- If you are on foot, be aware that low-moving water can be dangerous during flood conditions, do not walk into it.
- Avoid contact with flood waters, may be contaminated with raw sewage, oil or other dangerous substances, and may also be charged with electricity.
In addition to these tips, residents who intend on traveling are urged to check weather updates before travelling; avoid travel in severe conditions where possible and switch on headlights, slow down, and keep a safe distance on wet roads.