The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department is monitoring the development of possible severe thunderstorms following a Level 2, Yellow warning for severe thunderstorms issued by the South African Weather Service on 16 October 2023.
Deputy chief public information and media liaison Charlse Mabas said the impact of severe thunderstorms may include the following: localised flooding of susceptible low-lying areas, informal settlements and susceptible roads, Minor to major vehicle accidents due to poor driving visibility and slippery road conditions, localised service disruptions due to power failures and localised damage due to large amounts of small hail.
“We are on the lookout, and we are ready and monitoring the hotspot,” Mabaso said.
He said some of the known hotspots for flooding around Tshwane include region 1, Block KK Informal Settlement.
Region 2, Parts of Refentse (Stinkwater), Parts of Suurman and Sekampaneng, Parts of Majaneng.
Region 3 hot spots are low-water bridges which includes Es’kia Mphahlele Drive and Van der Hoff Road – Apies River, Rebecca Street and N4, Schutte Street and N4 train bridge, Schutte Street and Dr WF Nkomo Street, Roger Dyason Road and Industrial train bridge. Region 4 End and Rabie Street, Blackwood Street, Centurion Lake Hotel bridge, Nellmapius bridge, Lyttelton Road, SuperSport Park bridge.
Region 6 Rubenstein, Moreleta Dam, Rossouw Street, The Willows, Old Bronkhorstspruit Road, Watermeyer/Pretoria Road, Silver Lakes Road, Banana Bridge, Mamelodi and Stoffel Park, Mamelodi East.
“We encouraged residents to monitor warnings and alerts issued by the South African Weather Service and other government agencies, and to immediately follow recommended safety tips,” Mabaso said.
Mabaso said the South African Weather Services issued instructions that people if possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects, do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects, do not go fishing or play golf as both golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity, avoid low-lying roads and bridges and be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds, heavy rain and/or excessive lighting can accompany storms.
We further call on residents to be vigilant and immediately report any fire or rescue incidents on 107 toll-free or on 012 358 6300/6400. For ambulance services, call 112 toll-free or on 012 358 6300/6400.
For ambulance services, call 112 toll-free.