The Eastern Cape has been put on Yellow Level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms. The weather is expected to change from 1 pm right through 7 pm on Friday.
The South African Weather Service put the level in place on Thursday. It should be in place until early evening on Friday, 20th of January. During this time, the South African Weather Service relayed that thunderstorms can cause some damage to properties.
So, the extreme winds are reported to come from the South East of the Eastern Cape escarpment. The South African Weather Service has also expressed that winds from the South East can have damaging winds, with heavy rainfall. This will therefore result in flooding.
Some of the impacts include:
- Damage to vehicles and infrastructure
- Traffic disruptions
- Localized flooding
- Falling trees will lead to blocked roads
- Danger to livelihoods and livestock
Yellow level 1 warning: Thunderstorms: Eastern Cape: 19/01/2023 13:00 until 20/01/2023 19:00 pic.twitter.com/rhk0iN1nz0
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 19, 2023
Weather in Eastern Cape on Saturday
In addition to the current Yellow Level 1 warning on Friday, the Eastern Cape will be placed on Yellow Level 2 for severe thunderstorms throughout the day Saturday, the 21st of January. Since early January, this would be the third weather warning for the Eastern Cape this month.
The level warning will be in place from 12 pm on Saturday until midnight. In the warning, the South African Weather Service alerted the Eastern Cape of a “surface trough with upper-air perturbations”.
Thunderstorms are expected over the interior into the east side of Cradock on Saturday. Some of the impacts include:
- Strong gusty winds
- Flooding of roads in low-lying areas and bridges
- Damage to infrastructure, property, vehicles, and disruptions to livelihoods
During this time, it is recommended to stay away from roads or traveling unless it is really necessary. With blockages on roads and strong winds in the area, it could be impossible to travel on certain roads. Be sure to stay updated on what is happening on the roads at all times.