Tshwane residents urged to exercise caution amid heavy rains

City of Tshwane’s Emergency Service Department is urging residents to exercise caution as disruptive weather is anticipated to persist.

This as South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a yellow level 4 warning of thundershowers and isolated showers.

City of Tshwane’s Emergency Services Department spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni is calling on communities to stay indoors and avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads.

“The impact of disruptive rain, which may be accompanied by isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, may include the following; elevated risk of localised flooding, especially 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 other damage to infrastructure.”

SAWS has also issued a level 4 warning of heavy rainfall that may lead to severe flooding in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the rest of Gauteng today.

Communities are urged to avoid crossing rivers and overflowing streams.

City of Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says their teams are on standby for any eventuality.

“Our motorists are urged to exercise caution while driving, extend the following distance, and try and avoid crossing areas which might be flooded. From our side as the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, together with our specialised unit which responds to related emergencies, we remain on high alert, monitoring all seven regions of the city for any emergencies which might occur,” says Mulaudzi.