SAWS issues Orange Level 6 weather warning for Mpumalanga, Limpopo


The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 6 Warning for severe thunderstorms on Sunday in the Lowveld and escarpment areas of both Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

This could lead to flooding. The service says the conditions are expected to persist into Monday.

Level 6 Warnings involve a high-level chance of significant impact.

It has also issued a Level 5 warning for the extreme north-east of KwaZulu-Natal and a Level 4 warning for the northeastern parts of the province.

KZN on high alert

Earlier, disaster management teams in KwaZulu-Natal were placed on high alert following Level 4 and Level 5 weather warnings issued by the South African Weather Service.

Heavy Rains accompanied by strong winds are predicted for areas north of the province, including Jozini, Mtubatuba, Nongoma and oPhongolo, with rainfall expected to exceed 100 mm in some of these areas.

Cooperative Governance MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has established a joint operations centre to monitor and manage the possible impact of the weather.

The JOC will comprise emergency services, disaster management teams, as well as state agencies, including Eskom and Sanral.

Buthelezi says teams will closely monitor areas prone to flooding and infrastructure damage.

Residents in affected areas have been urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.