In South Africa, severe thunderstorms caused localized flooding, road closures, and damage to homes and infrastructure. On Sunday, September 6, several vehicles ended up in the water and became stuck at the intersection of Siemert Road and Currie Street in Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Daily Maverick reports.
Flooding and closures in Johannesburg
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police spokesperson Xolani Fihla said that officers were directing traffic, assisting stranded drivers, and diverting vehicles around the flooded section. He urged motorists to turn around if they see a flooded road or a significant accumulation of water.
Police also reported the closure of several city streets: Cooper Street and Beryl Street in Cyrildene, Beatrice Avenue and Princess Avenue in Windsor, as well as Smith Street and 11th Avenue near the M1 motorway entrances and exits. In the Witpoortie area, a tree fell on a Metropolitan Police vehicle.
City emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said that specialized water rescue units and disaster monitoring teams in Gauteng province had been placed on heightened alert due to slippery roads and rising water levels.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Damage in other provinces
In North West province, strong winds damaged homes in two villages located more than 70 km from Mahikeng. In Setlagole, roofs were torn off some homes, while heavy rains caused additional damage inside the houses. According to local government spokesperson Lerato Gambu, a training center and two primary schools were also damaged. Eskom reported power outages in several parts of the province.
In the Sol Plaatje municipality in Northern Cape province, residents also reported roofs being torn off and property damage caused by heavy rain. According to the publication, the severe weather was caused by an intense cut-off low-pressure system moving across the country and bringing tropical moisture, increasing the risk of localized flash floods, strong winds, hail, and intense lightning activity.
Thunderstorm warnings
Warnings of severe thunderstorms were in effect for Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, and eastern parts of Northern Cape province. South African Weather Service forecaster Lehlohonolo Tobela said weather conditions were expected to start improving from Tuesday, while thunderstorms in some provinces were expected to become localized.
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