Community Safety

Warning! Severe Thunderstorm

By Super User 507

Rain and thunderstorms are predicted for the rest of the week and residents are to take care in the wet weather.

A thunderstorm is a localised storm accompanied by lightning and thunder. It may also have gusty winds and often brings heavy rain. Some thunderstorms can also bring tornadoes and hail.

Are thunderstorms dangerous?

Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can lead to flash flooding, which is the number one thunderstorm killer. Strong winds, hail, and tornadoes are also dangers associated with some thunderstorms.

Tips to stay safe during a thunderstorm and heavy rain:

Severe thunderstorms:

  • When thunder roars, go indoors
  • Do not seek shelter under trees
  • Avoid open and isolated places
  • Avoid metal objects
  • Don’t play sport during the thunderstorm
  • Disconnect electrical appliances

Heavy rain:

  • Stay indoors and off the roads
  • Avoid crossing rivers or swollen streams where water is above your ankles
  • If trapped in a vehicle, abandon it and climb to higher ground
  • In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level
  • Switch off electricity at the supply point to the building
  • In rural areas protect/relocate animals to a safe place on higher ground
  • Abandon your home immediately if evacuation is recommended, before access is cut off by flood water
  • Never drive on a road covered by water
  • If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground
  • Be extra cautious at night when it’s harder to recognise flood dangers

  (Source: South African Weather Service)