FLOOD WARNING: SA Weather Service forecasts continued heavy rain across Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng

The South African Weather Service says inclement weather is expected to continue this week, particularly in the western parts of Mpumalanga.

This follows recent flooding in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, which saw severe damage to infrastructure and the loss of several lives.  

RELATED: Damage caused by Mpumalanga floods estimated to be around R2bn

Weather forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela says that while the weather service issued a warning before the floods, indicating that the conditions were predictable, the scale of the disaster was still unexpected.

He highlights the importance of preparedness and the need for communities to take necessary precautions during severe weather events. 

“We had issued a number of media releases that were pertaining to the floods that we have observed in the past week. It was a good forecast on how it went about.”

Thobela says the rain is expected to continue on Tuesday and Wednesday across Mpumalanga and Limpopo with a 30% to 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, which may lead to localised flooding, hail, and damaging winds.

In Gauteng, a 30% chance of rain is expected in the eastern parts of the province, while a 60% chance of rain is expected in the western parts.

The rain is expected to move into the Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape from Wednesday.

To listen to Thobela, use the audio player below: