Gauteng residents warned to stay indoors as torrential rains are expected to continue

Gauteng residents are advised to stay indoors as rainy weather conditions are expected to continue well into this evening.

The provincial government is urging the public to take the warnings seriously and calling on motorists to be extra vigilant while driving under wet conditions.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a level two yellow warning with a 60% chance of thunderstorms in several provinces.

"A high likelihood of minor impacts of heavy downpours that may lead to localised flooding, a possibility of damaging winds, as well as a possibility of hail and excessive lightning in places on Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the north-west, as well as parts of the western areas of KwaZulu-Natal," said forecaster, Lehlohonolo Thobela.

And while some Tshwane residents are still reeling from the effects of an earlier hailstorm, Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson, Theo Nkonki, has assuredthat emergency services teams remain on standby to respond to any incidents.

"Persistent heavy rainfall, powerful thunderstorms, localized flooding, and fast-moving storm systems driven by a developing La Niña pattern are creating hazardous conditions for many communities. While government disaster structures remain fully activated, residents are warned that safety risks are escalating and strict adherence to official alerts is now essential to preventing injuries, fatalities, and avoiding damage."