Weather warning issued for severe storms with flooding and hail
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The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has issued warnings for severe storms, flooding and for Thursday for the Western and Northern Cape.
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has warned that large parts of the Northern and Western Cape provinces will experience thunderstorms on Thursday.
THE NORTHERN CAPE AND WESTERN CAPE WILL BE AFFECTED
“Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Western and Northern Cape on Thursday. Some of these thundershowers may become severe over the southern parts of Namakwa District, Witzenberg municipality, as well as the central karoo district,” it said.
The SAWS also warned that large amounts of small hail might also occur.
“Some of these storms will become severe and lead to flooding and hail.
“Localised flooding flash flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying areas and bridges are also possible, including mountain passes. This is due to heavy downpour, which can also contribute to minor vehicle accidents due to reduced visibility and slippery roads,” the SAWS said.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HAIL
Hail tips when driving
ALSO READ: Watch: Sand tornado and storm sweeps through parts of Northern Cape
Hail tips at home
- Maintain your trees by removing branches and taking out trees that could fall on your home during a hailstorm. Falling trees and blowing debris often cause fatalities and severe structural damage.
- Check the downpipes and make sure they are not blocked so water can flow through. Watch for large pools of water as this can damage the foundation of the house
- Keep the curtains or blinds closed – this will prevent broken window glass and hail stones from entering your home or injuring you or your family.
- If your home doesn’t have a garage, cover your car with any unused blankets, comforters or large towels that you may have.
- Keep the gutters clean – It is important to regularly clear gutters of leaves, twigs and any other debris. Hail takes a while to melt and an overflowing gutter could lead to a leaking roof and further damage.
Hail tips for your garden
If you have patio furniture or expensive outdoor equipment like portable braais, bring them inside or move them to a sheltered area on your patio. Your fragile plants will also need a little extra attention to make sure they survive the hailstorm. There are ways to protect them:
- Plant extra soil around them to help keep them upright and stop the soil from washing away.
- Place heavy objects like pots and even garbage bins over them before the storm hits, and add extra weight by placing bricks on top to weigh them down.
- Cover plants with plastic sheeting by placing stakes in the ground and draping the sheeting over them, securing the sheeting to the stakes.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Hailstorm sweeps through Pietermaritzburg
If you have patio furniture or expensive outdoor equipment like portable braais, bring them inside or move them to a sheltered area on your patio. Your fragile plants will also need a little extra attention to make sure they survive the hailstorm. There are ways to protect them:
- Plant extra soil around them to help keep them upright and stop the soil from washing away.
- Place heavy objects like pots and even garbage bins over them before the storm hits, and add extra weight by placing bricks on top to weigh them down.
- Cover plants with plastic sheeting by placing stakes in the ground and draping the sheeting over them, securing the sheeting to the stakes.
Hail tips for your pets
Bring your pets inside. If you can’t make sure they have a safe, dry, covered area to take shelter. Should your pet be afraid of noise and storms, it is vital that they are brought in.
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