Weather Alert: Hail, Thunderstorms, and Strong Winds Expected in These South African Areas Today

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has issued a warning for hail, severe thunderstorms, and strong winds from 13:00 to 21:00 today.

Parts of South Africa, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and others, are expected to be affected. Stay informed and take precautions to ensure safety.

⚠️⛈️Severe weather alert: Severe thunderstorms
impact: Heavy rain- flooding, possibility of hail, and damaging winds.
Areas affected: Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, extreme eastern areas of the Free State as well as the eastern half of the Eastern Cape. #saws pic.twitter.com/XEM2DaSM7K

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) November 17, 2023

Areas Affected:

• City of Johannesburg / Johannesburg
• Ekurhuleni / Kempton park
• Rand West City – Randfontein / Randfontein
• City of Tshwane / Pretoria
• Midvaal / Meyerton
• Rand West City – Westonaria / Westonaria
• Mogale City / Mogale City/Krugersdorp
• Thaba Chweu / Sabie
• Mbombela – Sabie / Whiteriver / Mbombela
• Albert Luthuli / Carolina
• Msukaligwa / Ermelo
• Govan Mbeki / Secunda
• Ventersdorp/Tlokwe – Potch / Potchefstroom
• Ventersdorp/Tlokwe / Ventersdorp
• Ramotshere Moiloa / Zeerust
• Ratlou
• Kagisano/Molopo / Tosca
• Tswaing / Ottosdal
• Moqhaka / Moqhaka/Kroonstad
• Ngwathe / Ngwathe/Parys
• Dipaleseng / Balfour
• Abaqulusi / Vryheid/Abaqulusi
• Phumelela / Warden
• Okhahlamba / Royal National Park
• Umvoti / Greytown
• Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg / Underberg
• Ingwe / Donnybrook
• Matatiele
• Ntabankulu
• Ingquza Hill / Lusikisiki
• Nyandeni / Libode
• King Sabata Dalindyebo / Mthatha
• Mbhashe / Dutywa
• Mnquma / Butterworth
• Enoch Magijima – Komani / Komani/Queenstown
• Amahlathi / Stutterheim
• Walter Sisulu – Burgersdorp / Burgersdorp
• Senqu / Barkly East

HERE ARE SAFETY TIPS FOR HAIL STORMS:

This can certainly be a traumatic experience depending on the size of the hailstones. As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure  – it is better to be prepared than to suffer huge damage to your car and property. The following steps can be followed to minimise potential damage.

• Reduce speed and find shelter  By driving slowly, hail damage is minimised and reduces the risk of driving over slippery surfaces. If you are fortunate enough to be near a garage or an overhead bridge, park there until the storm is over. Do not park under trees, as falling branches could damage your car even further.
• Remain in your car – Remember that hailstones are extremely hard and heavy and, if large enough, can seriously hurt or even kill you.
• How to avoid severe damage to your car – Always keep a blanket or blankets in your car,  large enough to cover all areas exposed to hailstones.
• Face the hailstorm – It may be tempting to place the car’s rear into the oncoming hailstorm, but rather face the storm. The windscreen and headlights can withstand more significant impacts than side windows or tail lights. Be sure to park your car safely on the side of the road if no shelter is available.

Be prepared and follow these safety tips to minimize potential damage during the hail, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Your safety is a priority.