South Africa: Weather Service issues warnings in northeast provinces December 5-6

Event

The South African Weather Service has issued warnings (second-highest on a three tier scale) for heavy rain and flooding in three provinces from Thursday, December 5, through to Friday, December 6. Weather warnings are in place for parts of North West, Free State, and Gauteng provinces, including Johannesburg and Pretoria. Officials have warned that persistent rainfall may result in road flooding.

Related transportation disruptions, hazardous driving conditions, and power outages are possible over the coming hours. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.