Overview
- SAWS issued an orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms over Gauteng, the eastern Free State, the eastern North West, western Limpopo and the Mpumalanga Highveld, with yellow alerts for surrounding regions.
- Forecasters warn of heavy downpours, localized flooding of roads and low-lying bridges, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and hail that could damage infrastructure and disrupt services.
- Johannesburg Emergency Services urged motorists to slow down, keep headlights on, avoid overtaking and maintain safe following distances as wet conditions reduce visibility and traction.
- Forecaster Odirile Modipa reported widespread showers moving from the Free State into Gauteng and said severe storms would persist over Mpumalanga.
- Residents are advised to secure loose items, stay indoors during thunderstorms and monitor official SAWS updates, with additional yellow-level storm risks signaled for parts of Monday.