Residents of several provinces in South Africa have been warned about the start of the week, which is expected to be rainy and potentially disruptive, as heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, and destructive winds are forecast for Monday.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a series of warnings based on potential impacts for Monday, September 14th. The most serious is a Level 4 Yellow Warning for disruptive rain over parts of the Western and Northern Cape.
This warning is due to extensive rain and thunderstorms expected in many areas of the western and central parts of the country.
Flood threat due to heavy rainfall
According to SAWS data, there is an 80% probability of rain and thunderstorms over a vast area stretching from parts of the Western Cape to the Northern Cape. In other parts of the Northern Cape and the central inland region, there is a 60% chance of downpours and thunderstorms, while in some areas of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, the probability of rain is 30%.
Isolated showers are also expected in parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga with a probability of around 30%. The Level 4 Yellow Warning for disruptive rain covers the territories of the Western Cape and parts of the Northern Cape. SAWS warns that the precipitation may lead to flooding of roads and settlements, as well as cause serious disruptions to transport.
Severe thunderstorms threaten the Northern and Western Cape
Additionally, a Level 2 Yellow Warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for parts of the Northern and Western Cape. These storms could trigger localized flooding on vulnerable roads, low-lying areas, and bridges, and cause local damage to settlements in open areas.
A Level 1 Yellow Warning for severe thunderstorms is in effect in parts of the Eastern Cape, where storms are capable of damaging settlements and temporary structures, as well as causing local power and communication outages.
Destructive winds will blow across inland areas and the coast
Strong winds will exacerbate the complex weather conditions on Monday. A Level 2 Yellow Warning for destructive winds applies to a large inland area, including parts of the Northern Cape, North West province, Free State, and Limpopo. The weather service warns of possible localized damage to settlements.
Along the coastlines of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, Level 1 and Level 2 warnings for destructive winds are in effect. The Level 2 warning for the coast includes a risk to the navigation of small boats and vessels, as well as possible disruptions to small harbors, ports, and beach activities. In other areas along the affected coast, destructive winds may cause localized damage to settlements, power and communication outages, and hinder navigation.


