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Urgent Gauteng Storm Alert as SAWS Warns of Severe Thunderstorms Across Provinces

Forecasters say the outbreak signals the start of the summer thunderstorm season, with rain expected to ease from Wednesday.

Overview

  • SAWS has issued an urgent severe thunderstorm warning for Johannesburg and parts of Gauteng, citing heavy rain, lightning and a risk of localised flooding.
  • An orange level 5 nowcast is in effect for western Gauteng, while yellow level 2 and level 4 alerts cover sections of North West, the Free State and the north‑eastern Northern Cape, with additional warnings reported for Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
  • Hazards include damaging winds, hail and short, intense downpours likely to flood low‑lying roads, informal settlements and bridges.
  • Johannesburg Emergency Management Services urges residents to stay indoors where possible, avoid flooded routes, drive slowly with headlights on and report emergencies to 011 375 5911 or 112.
  • SAWS forecaster Tokelo Chiloane expects significant rainfall to taper from Wednesday as temperatures gradually rise, particularly over central and eastern provinces.