The department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) says it is taking preparedness steps following the issuing of a level 4 impact-based warning for severe thunderstorms issued by the National Forecast Centre.
The warning is valid from 1pm until midnight on Friday and covers most parts of Gauteng and the southwestern parts of the Mpumalanga Highveld. Affected district, local and metropolitan municipalities are:
- City of Johannesburg;
- City of Tshwane;
- Dipaleseng;
- Ekurhuleni;
- Emalahleni;
- Govan Mbeki;
- Lekwa;
- Lesedi;
- Midvaal;
- Pixley Ka Seme; and
- Victor Khanye.
Severe thunderstorms with strong winds, hail and heavy downpours are expected. These conditions may cause flooding and damage to settlements and property, as well as localised disruptions to power supply and communications.
Cogta said it has alerted provincial and municipal disaster management structures in the affected areas and calls on municipalities to activate their contingency plans and coordinate preparedness and response measures.
“Municipalities are urged to ensure that disaster management teams, emergency services and relevant role-players are on standby, and to communicate timely warnings to communities,” it said.
“Cogta, through the National Disaster Management Centre, will continue to monitor the situation and support coordinated response efforts where required.
Members of the public in affected areas are urged to take precautionary measures and follow safety advice:
- 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 golf clubs and fishing rods are good conductors of electricity;
- Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds and/or heavy downpours can be dangerous; and
- Avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and low-lying areas.
TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE TimesLIVE
www.timeslive.co.za
