WEATHER TODAY: Severe thunderstorms for Pretoria, Ermelo and Ladysmith

Areas: Lephalale, Mogoto, Alldays.

• Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75 in identified areas. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

What to do: Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called for without delay.

Areas: Escourt, Ekuvukeni, Ladysmith, Dannhauser, Dundee, Goodhom, Mooi River, Pomeroy, Newcastle, Royal National Park.

• Localised damage to infrastructure and settlements.
• Localised flooding of susceptible roads and bridges.
• Minor motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads and poor visibility.
• Difficult driving conditions on dirt and slippery roads.
• Large amounts of small hail/ large hail over an open area.
• Localised fire incidents.

What to do: Take caution or avoid traveling on bridges and roads in low lying areas as these may be susceptible to flooding and there may be sinkholes. Avoid outdoor activities as lightning, hail and flooding may result in injuries and death. If possible, stay indoors well clear of windows, shelter pets, and cover vehicles. Move livestock and cars to safe sheltered areas as there may be flying debris.

Areas: Heidelberg, Standerton, Piet Retief, Pretoria, Ermelo, Delmas, Meyerton, Balfour, Amersfoort, Witbank, Kempton park, Tweefontein, Secunda, Carolina, Middelburg, Machadodorp.

• Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements(informal), property,vehicles, livelihood and livestock.
• Localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.
• Localised disruption to municipal services due to lightning activity.

What to do: Seek safe shelter from hail and lightning. Drive carefully. Stay away from flooded areas.

Areas: Queenstown, Lady Frere, Burgersdorp, Cofimvaba, Jamesto, Molteno, Tarkastad, Barkly East, Ngcobo, Cradock, Elliot.

• Localised damage to settlements, property, structures
• Dangerous and difficult driving conditions due to strong crosswinds.
• Danger to life.

What to do: If possible stay indoors away from metal objects. Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects. Do not go fishing or play golf as both the golf clubs and fishing rods are a good conductor of electricity. Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds, intense lightning and/or heavy downpours can accompany the storms.

• Yellow Level 2 Warning: Severe Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning that may result in localised flooding and damage to infrastructure and settlements are expected over parts of Gauteng (except for the south-west), the Highveld of Mpumalanga, as well as the north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Yellow Level 1 Warning: Severe Thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, hail and lightning that may resulting in localised damage to settlements and temporary structures, and localised disruptions to power and communication services, are expected in places over Chris Hani district municipality, as well as Walter Sisulu and Senqu local municipalities in the Eastern Cape.

• Extremely high fire danger is expected in places over Limpopo, Northern Cape, as well as and the western parts of Free State.

Towns today

Towns today

Towns today

Towns today

Towns today