Mpumalanga will be experiencing heavy rainfall this Friday following an orange level 9 warning from the South African Weather Service.
The level warning is currently in place from midnight until 1 pm this afternoon. During the late morning, cities all around Mpumalanga experience heavy rain but it is expected to be on and off.
Staying safe in the heavy rains
To avoid any hazardous or dangerous predicaments, stay indoors until the storm subsides. Going into possible flooding situations can be life-threatening.
The South African Weather Service relayed that the impacts can be widespread. This comes as the current rainfall projections are between 60-100mm and may exceed 100mm in other areas.
Areas affected in Mpumalanga include:
- Delmas
- Secunda
- Piet Retief
- Standerton
- Balfour
- Carolina
- Barberton
- Ermelo
- Amersford
- Emalahleni
- Skukuza
- Mbombela
- Bushbuckridge
- Machadodorp
- Tweefontein
Weather impacts in Mpumalanga
Along with the heavy rains, Mpumalanga will also experience high winds. These heavy rains will cause mudslides, rock falls, and soil erosion. It is therefore advisable not to travel whilst the rain is still falling.
⚠️ORANGE LEVEL 9 WARNING: Rain: Mpumalanga: 6/1/2023: 00:00-13:00 pic.twitter.com/Yw6KNOwRUD
— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) January 5, 2023
In case of being trapped in a car, abandon it and climb to a high area. If the water reaches above your ankles, it is safer to stay indoors than travel on roads where flooding will occur.
Other impacts include not being able to access water facilities, damage to bridges, and most of all flooding roads and settlements. Low-lying areas are particularly more harshly impacted by flooding.
To keep valuables safe, putting them in higher areas or places which are safe from flooding is advisable. To keep valuables safe, putting them in higher areas or places which are safe from flooding is advisable. As Mpumalanga moves into the afternoon, the rainfall is expected to ease in intensity.
On the other hand, Kwa-Zulu Natal has also been placed on Orange Level 9 this Friday. Heavy rainfall is expected to fall throughout the entire day for the region.
The South African Weather Service warned of fast-flowing and deep water in the region as well. Impacts include disruption of essential services such as electricity, water, and communication systems.
Widespread flooding of roads, settlements, and bridges is also among some of the impacts to take place during the course of the day.
In case of emergencies, the contact number for Kwa-Zulu Natal is 0313610000. To reach any other emergency service in Mpumalanga, locate the Mpumalanga News website for a list of contacts.
Sources: South African Weather Service, The South African