The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has escalated its severe weather warning to orange level 6 for parts of South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents are warned to expect widespread heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, and hail, which are expected to cause significant disruption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highest warning is in place for most of the North West, except the extreme northeastern parts of the province, the northern half of the Free State and the northeastern parts of the Northern Cape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gauteng and the Highveld of Mpumalanga are also facing dangerous weather conditions, with an orange level 5 warning issued for these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The severe weather is linked to a significant upper-air system known as a cut-off low, which is expected to bring widespread rainfall of between 30mm and 50mm in affected areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winds of around 40km\/h, with gusts reaching up to 80km\/h, are also possible, along with hail and excessive lightning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The South African Weather Service warned that the conditions could have serious consequences for communities and infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFlooding of roads, settlements and low-lying areas, resulting in closure of some bridges and roads,\u201d is among the expected impacts, SAWS said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The weather service also warned of possible damage or loss involving infrastructure, settlements, vehicles, livelihoods and livestock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fast-flowing streams and deep water could pose a danger to life, while essential municipal services may also be disrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Agricultural activities could suffer losses, while major travel disruptions are expected across affected regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The orange level 5 warning covering Gauteng and parts of Mpumalanga carries similar risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents have been warned to prepare for flooding of roads and settlements, strong, gusty winds, hail, damage to structures, and possible disruptions to municipal services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Johannesburg, cloudy and cold conditions with widespread showers and thundershowers are expected. Temperatures are forecast to range between 10\u00b0C and 15\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n