Cape Town — The South African Weather Services (SAWS) said that heavy rainfall was expected in parts of South Africa from Sunday until Wednesday.
SAWS cautioned South African residents who are returning to work next week to remain careful and vigilant on the roads as scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across central and eastern regions of South Africa, including the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng, the North West, Free State, Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), a statement read.
The amounts of rainfall was expected to range from 50mm to 70mm, meaning roads were likely to be flooded and slippery.
“It is inevitable that some low-water bridges could overflow, with powerful water currents that could sweep away vehicles and lead to loss of lives and property. It is strongly advised that motorists do not enter flooded low-water bridges or roads,” SAWS said.
SAWS said the summer rainfall areas of South Africa were hit hard by heavy rainfall throughout December.
MEDIA RELEASE: Expected heavy rain: A threat to motorists and the public during the end of the festive season
Click on the link for more information https://t.co/77YW8GwrG3 pic.twitter.com/n6nX3ZCDRL
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 3, 2025
60% scattered showers and 80% widespread showers were expected and encouraged all residents to use their headlights while travelling in the rain.
“The use of vehicle headlights while driving at a reasonably low speed will be useful during the showery conditions. Motorists should ensure clear windscreens as traffic and road markings could be difficult to see during heavy rain, even for vehicles with properly working wipers, in some instances,” it said.
SAWS said the summer thunderstorms are usually confined to the afternoon or early evenings, but showers were expected throughout the day, leading to ordinary or heavy showers between 6pm and 1am.
“According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), these are the critical hours [during which] road users should avoid driving. This festive season a higher number of road fatalities than in previous years has already been reported and the Saws, in collaboration with the RTMC, urges motorists, pedestrians and the public to be extra vigilant and careful on the roads during these conditions,” it added.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
