SA weather service issues level 4 warning for severe thunderstorms in Joburg

Mulaudzi explained that all thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous.

However, he said people can be safe if they follow some simple guidelines:

1. Have a lightning safety plan: Know where you will go for safety and ensure that you have enough time to get there.

2. Postpone activities: Consider postponing activities if thunderstorms are forecast.

3. Monitor the weather: Once outside, look for signs of a developing or approaching thunderstorm, such as towering clouds, darkening skies or flashes of lightning.

4. Get to a safe place: If you hear thunder, even a distant rumble, seek safety immediately. Fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing are best. A hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed is also safe. Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches do not protect you from lightning.

5. If you hear thunder, do not use a corded phone (a telephone that has a handset wired to a base unit, which either sits on a table or desk or is wall mounted) except in an emergency: Cordless phones and cellphones are safe to use.

6. Keep away from electrical equipment and plumbing: Lightning will travel through the wiring and plumbing if your building is struck. Do not take a bath or shower, or wash dishes during a storm.

7. Avoid low-lying bridges during a flood.

8. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon the vehicle and climb to high ground.

9. Do not drive on a road if it is completely covered by water and you cannot see the road surface as you do not know how deep it is or if the road is washed away.

“Our operations teams remain on high alert and will continually monitor low-water bridges and other known flooding hotspots. The teams are always in a state of readiness to go the extra mile to clear roads by cutting trees uprooted by storms while utility services are being activated,” said Mulaudzi.

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