By Keletso Mkhwanazi

Mpumalanga residents are urged to brace themselves for severe weather conditions today, Friday, October 10, as the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a Yellow Level 2 Warning for severe thunderstorms across the central and western parts of the province.

The warning indicates a high likelihood of heavy downpours, localised flooding, large amounts of small hail, and damaging winds, which could significantly impact travel and infrastructure.

The Provincial Weather Forecast points to morning fog along the escarpment, leading to a partly cloudy cool to warm day.

Isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected to develop, affecting most areas except the extreme eastern parts of the Lowveld.

Motorists Urged to Exercise Extreme Caution

In light of the inclement weather forecast, local authorities have issued a strong advisory for motorists in Mpumalanga to exercise extreme caution on the roads.

“We advise motorists to be more vigilant and patient when driving in wet weather conditions to avoid unnecessary accidents,” a city official stated. “We also urge drivers to inspect their vehicles before undertaking trips to ensure they are in good condition, particularly checking tyres, wipers, and lights.”

Safety First

The public is strongly appealed to prioritise their safety throughout this period and to adhere strictly to all safety guidelines and instructions from authorities.

Key Safety Reminders:

• Avoid crossing roads or bridges that are flooded, as the water depth and current can be unpredictable and dangerous.
• Secure outdoor loose objects that could be blown away by strong winds and cause damage.
• Stay indoors during the worst of the storms if possible.
• Be aware of possible localised power outages due to lightning or wind damage.

Residents are advised to keep monitoring official SAWS updates for any changes to the weather warning throughout the day.