The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning about severe thunderstorms expected to hit large parts of South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weather service stressed that this means there is a high risk of flooding, damaging winds, hail, and intense lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to SAWS, several provinces could be affected by severe weather conditions, including Gauteng, the North West, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strong winds are also forecast for parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, while hot and humid conditions are expected in KwaZulu-Natal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most serious alert is an Orange Level 5 warning for severe thunderstorms over the north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, the western parts of the North West, and the central and eastern parts of the Free State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SAWS warned that these storms could bring heavy downpours, leading to flooding of roads, settlements, and low-lying areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The storms could also produce damaging winds, heavy hail, and intense lightning, posing a risk to infrastructure and residents in affected regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Yellow Level 4 warning has also been issued for severe thunderstorms across a broader area, including the central northeast of the Northern Cape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other areas include the south-western Free State, eastern parts of the North West, Gauteng, the western Highveld of Mpumalanga, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal excluding the far north-east.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These storms are expected to bring heavy rainfall that could lead to localised flooding of susceptible roads, settlements, and low-lying bridges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strong winds, hail, and frequent lightning are also possible, increasing the risk of damage to property and power infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Yellow Level 2 alert for severe thunderstorms has been issued for the south-western parts of Limpopo and the eastern Highveld and escarpment areas of Mpumalanga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These storms may also cause heavy rain, hail, and lightning that could lead to localised flooding in vulnerable areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n