WARNING: Heavy rain expected during end of Festive Season

SAWS warns of heavy rain. Photo: Pixabay.com

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has alerted motorists returning to economic activities, pedestrians and the public to be aware of heavy, disruptive rain across the central and eastern regions of South Africa from this Sunday to at least Wednesday (5 to 8 January 2025).

The expected persistent rainfall, with associated risks, emphasises the need for caution and preparedness among all road users and the public, the SAWS warned.

RAIN EXPECTED

Scattered (60%) and widespread (80%) showers and thundershowers are expected on Sunday across the central and eastern regions of South Africa, as can be seen in Figure 1 below. These regions include North West, the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and the southern parts of Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

According to SAWS, the likelihood of a significant increase in rainfall accumulation is suggested, with amounts ranging from 50 to 70 mm (see output of weather model in Figure 2). To this effect, road flooding, slippery surfaces, and broad flash flooding are possible.

BE CAUTIOUS WHEN DRIVING

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 the occurrence of heavy rain, even for vehicles with properly working wipers, in some instances.

Further, 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.