Gauteng residents urged to be cautious as thunderstorm warning issued

Johannesburg – The South African Weather Service has issued a warning for a severe thunderstorm over parts of Gauteng on Wednesday afternoon.

The thunderstorm is expected to hit in the early afternoon and could last until about midnight.

Weather forecaster Kgolofelo Mahlangu said: “It might cause some disruptions in the traffic flow due to reduced visibility and strong damaging winds. The might be some minor damage to informal settlements and places around Gauteng and that will occur between 5pm and 11pm.”

Joburg Emergency Service’s Robert Mulaudzi said his team was on standby to assist where they were needed.

“Residents are urged to be safe, especially our motorists, who are urged to exercise caution while driving. Also our residents in low-lying areas, mostly our informal settlements to be vigilant and try to avoid crossing flooded bridges or flooded roads.”