Joburg EMS on high alert as cold front and wet weather grip the city

Johannesburg Emergency Services are on stand-by this long weekend as cold and wet weather settles over the city.

Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas particularly informal settlements are being urged to stay away from rivers and streams and keep a close watch on children.

Motorists are advised to drive cautiously, maintain a safe following distance and avoid flooded roads.

EMS Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi also warned residents to use heating devices carefully and never leave them unattended to prevent fires.

“We are on high alert throughout this long weekend to ensure that we can be able to respond to any water-related or fire emergencies which might occur throughout this long weekend. Our residents are encouraged to call our emergency management services command and control center on 011-375-5911 for any life-threatening emergencies," said Mulaudzi

Meanwhile, SAWS forecaster Lehlohonolo Thobela said that there’s a thirty percent chance of showers along the southwest coast and nearby interior with conditions expected to improve.

“Warm temperatures are expected over the low felt of Mpumalanga into Limpopo, as well as parts of the central and the Western parts of the Western cape province.  Otherwise, cool temperatures are expected, especially for the central parts of the country,” said Thobela.