City of Tshwane on high alert as severe storms threaten more flooding - IOL

The City of Tshwane has warned residents to remain alert as heavy downpours, hail, damaging winds and excessive lightning threaten further flooding across the capital.

The City of Tshwane has placed emergency crews on high alert as another round of severe thunderstorms threatens the capital on Tuesday, just hours after intense downpours flooded roads and residential properties across several areas.

The City’s Emergency Services Department said it received a Yellow Level 2 warning from the South African Weather Service, with severe thunderstorms expected from Tuesday afternoon until around midnight.

The warning comes after emergency personnel spent Monday night responding to flooding in Mamelodi East, Meyerspark, Nellmapius, parts of Centurion, Willow Park and Wonderboom.

“The Emergency Services Department has responded to a series of flooding incidents across several areas in Tshwane last night. Intense downpours resulted in localised flooding, prompting rapid response interventions from emergency personnel,” the department said.

Although some roads and residential properties were flooded overnight, the City said no major structural damage, fatalities or serious injuries had been reported at the time of issuing its statement.

However, authorities warned that already saturated ground could worsen the impact of further rainfall.

“Residents are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution today, as the South African Weather Service has indicated a 60% chance of rain for the region,” the department said.

“With the ground already saturated, any additional rainfall poses an immediate risk of further localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, informal settlements and vulnerable road networks.”

Operational crews were dispatched throughout the night to respond to flooding and monitor rising water levels.

The City warned that the severe thunderstorms could bring heavy downpours, large amounts of small hail, damaging winds and excessive lightning.

Heavy rainfall could trigger further localised flooding in low-lying areas, while flooded roads could disrupt traffic. Poor visibility and slippery roads could also increase the risk of vehicle crashes.

Authorities warned that damaging winds could affect roofs and other structures in formal and informal settlements, while excessive lightning could spark structural fires.

Residents have been urged to remain indoors where possible and avoid metal objects that conduct electricity, including power lines and barbed-wire fences, during thunderstorms.

The City also warned motorists and pedestrians not to attempt to cross flooded low-lying roads, bridges or swollen streams.

“Do not seek shelter under isolated trees or tall objects during a thunderstorm,” the department warned.

People have also been advised to avoid outdoor activities such as fishing or playing golf during storms because fishing rods and golf clubs may attract lightning.

The Emergency Services Department said it would continue monitoring weather reports and remain on high alert for further incidents.