Johannesburg: Adverse weather conditions are expected to begin clearing from the central parts of the country this afternoon, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) said on Wednesday. Weather conditions will start to improve across Gauteng, North West, and the Free State.
According to South African Government News Agency, rain will continue over Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as along the south coast of the Republic of South Africa today. Residents in these areas are advised to remain cautious.
On Tuesday, the SAWS had alerted residents of the Eastern and Western Cape about two Orange Level 8 warnings for disruptive rain in certain parts of the provinces. Lower-level warnings were also issued for other provinces due to a cut-off low-pressure system expected to impact the region throughout the week.
The SAWS had also announced an Orange Level 6 Warning for disruptive rain leading to potential flooding of roads and settlements in the Central Karoo, Kannaland, and Hessequa municipalities of the Western Cape. Similar warnings were issued for several municipalities in the Eastern Cape, including Nelson Mandela Bay Metro and Buffalo City Metro.
In addition, an Orange Level 6 Warning for severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, and potential flooding was announced for the eastern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Small hail over populated areas is also anticipated.
Meanwhile, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called on all South Africans to exercise heightened caution in response to severe weather warnings from the SAWS.