Joburg EMS on high alert amid severe thunderstorm warning - TimesLIVE

The City of Johannesburg emergency management services (EMS) says it remains on high alert after a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms was issued by the South African Weather Service (Saws).

It warned localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, and said localised damage to settlements and infrastructure is expected.

City of Joburg EMS spokesperson Kagiso Phasha said the specialised rescue unit remains ready to respond to any water-related emergencies. He urged motorists and pedestrians to:

“Please also take extra care around lightning and avoid open spaces and isolated trees. For any emergency that might occur, contact the city’s command and control centre on 011-375-5911,” he said.

In the Eastern Cape, Saws has also issued a yellow level 2 warning for damaging winds, with localised damage to settlements, disruptions to beachfront activities and difficult navigation expected in the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City district municipalities, and the Ndlambe, Nqgushwa and Sundays River Valley local municipalities.

Partly cloudy and cool conditions are expected, with isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms possible over the country’s central and eastern parts.