WEATHER TODAY: Level 5 storm warning for Ermelo, Ladysmith and Frankfort

Areas: Cape Town city.

• Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. 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: All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field. 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, Underberg, Paulpietersburg, Utrecht, Dundee, Kokstad, Impendle, Donnybrook, Abaqulusi, Goodhom, Giants Castle, Mooi River, Pomeroy, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nqutu, Royal National Park, Ulundi, Howick, New Hanover, Greytown, Umzimkhulu, uPhongolo.

• Flooding of settlements which may lead to displacement of affected communities.
• Danger to life due to fast-flowing river streams.
• Mudslides, rockfalls and soil erosion.
• Flooding of roads and damage to bridges which may lead to road closure and the disruption of traffic flow.
• Potential disruption of essential services (e.g. water, electricity and communication networks).
• Large amounts of small hail/ large hail over an open area.

What to do: Where it is reasonable, stay in doors and off the road (in the road stretch where there may be sinkholes and/or potholes), Avoid crossing swollen rivers and streams and if trapped in floods, leave the vehicle and climb to the higher ground, In buildings (at home), place valuables above the expected flood level where they will be safe, In rural areas, protect, relocate animals to a safe, higher ground, Contact authorities from disaster management where things become uncontrollable.

Areas: Frankfort, Reitz, Van Reenen, Warden, Bohlokong.

• Flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, resulting in closure of some bridges and roads.
• Damages or loss of infrastructure, settlements, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.
• Danger to life (fast flowing streams / deep water).
• Disruption to municipal and other essential services.
• Major travel disruptions.

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. Avoid any unnecessary travel. Do not cross swollen rivers/streams and/or flooded roads and bridges. Keep an eye on the SAWS website for any updates regarding severe thunderstorm development and movement. Emergency services be on high alert.

Areas: Standerton, Piet Retief, Barberton, Ermelo, Amersfoort, Secunda, Carolina, Middelburg, Machadodorp.

• Falling trees blocking minor roads.
• Flooding.
• Service disruption due to power surges/disruptions
• Damage to vehicles and structures
• Hazardous driving conditions.

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

Areas: Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, King Shaka Airport, Makatini, Stanger, Mandini, Maphumulo, Camperdown, Melmoth, Riverview, Ndwedwe, Margate, Richmond, Pietermaritzburg, Ixopo, Pennington, Mbazwana, Richards Bay, Eshowe, Harding, St Faith's (Cathula).

• Localised flooding of susceptible formal/informal settlements, low-lying roads and bridges is possible.
• Difficult driving conditions can be expected on dirt roads
• Minor motor vehicle accidents due to poor visibility and slippery roads.
• Major roads affected but can be used with increased travel times.

What to do: Avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. In rural areas move lifestock to a safe place on higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level. Take caution when traveling on roads as potholes may be filled with water, and if trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground.

Areas: Rustenburg, Lichtenburg, Ladybrand, Hartebeespoort, Pilanesberg, Sasolburg, Brandfort, Koster, Welkom, Parys, Zeerust, Ventersdorp, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Ficksburg, Makapanstad, Kroonstad.

• Localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), properties, vehicles and livelihood
• Falling trees blocking minor roads.
• Localised flooding of susceptible roads and bridges.
• Localised and short term disruption to power supply and communication.

What to do: If possible stay away from metal objects and switch off all electric appliances. 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. Avoid any unnecessary travel. Do not cross swollen rivers/streams and/or flooded roads and bridges.

• Orange level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms leading to flooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, disruptions to power supply and communications are expected over far eastern parts of Free State, western parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Highveld of Mpumalanga.
• Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms resulting in localised flooding and damage of settlements/property, and localised disruptions to power supply and communications over the eastern parts of both North West and the Free State, southern parts of Limpopo, the north-eastern parts of Mpumalanga as well as Gauteng.
• Yellow level 2 warning for disruptive rain leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, settlements, low lying bridges/areas and increased travel times over the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
• Yellow level 1 warning for damaging winds leading to localised damage to temporary structures and difficulty in navigation at sea is expected over the south-west coast and City of Cape Town District.

• Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the Northern Cape and in places in the Free State and North West, as well as the south-western parts of the Western Cape.

Towns today

Towns today

Towns today

Towns today

Towns today