Home » Another Storm Rolls in to Joburg, South Africa, Threat of Further Flash Floods

Another Storm Rolls in to Joburg, South Africa, Threat of Further Flash Floods

GAUTENG – Johannesburg, South Africa, is experiencing another heavy downpour and one fatality has already been reported, following yesterday’s massive storm in Gauteng which flooded roads in Johannesburg, OR Tambo International Airport and the East Rand causing devastating damage to the region, and leaving six dead and hundreds homeless. According to Netcare911 there has already been one fatality during […]

10-11-16 23:35

GAUTENG – Johannesburg, South Africa, is experiencing another heavy downpour and one fatality has already been reported, following yesterday’s massive storm in Gauteng which flooded roads in Johannesburg, OR Tambo International Airport and the East Rand causing devastating damage to the region, and leaving six dead and hundreds homeless.

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Skies over Benoni, Thursday afternoon 10 November 2016. Photo by Stan Sanetra: “‘The Big Blow”‘… he is a coming again….?☔☁… Farramere Benoni, South Africa.”

According to Netcare911 there has already been one fatality during Thursday’s storm. Netcare said: “a man has died after being struck by lightning on Ravel Street in Vanderbijlpark.”

The man was believed to be in his thirties, and struck at about 16h15 after sheltering under a tree, next to his bicycle, during a thunderstorm in the area. When Netcare911 paramedics arrived on the scene, he had already passed away.

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Photo by Andrea Ben of storm clouds gathering over Joburg on 10 November 2016

SA Weather Service issued warnings Thursday of severe thunderstorms with “heavy rain, flash floods, large hail and damaging winds” over Emfuleni (Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark) and the Midvaal moving north; as well as over Westonaria and Randfontein.

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Photo by Andrea Ben. Storm clouds gathering over Gauteng on Thursday, following a devastating flash flood on Wednesday.

In the last half hour, SA Weather Service has issued warnings to these areas:

  • Ekurhuleni, Tshwane metropole, north-east part of Joburg metropole.
  • Boksburg moving northwards to Kempton Park.
  • southern Ekurhuleni (Vosloorus, Katlehong, Wadeville, Brakpan). Moving slowly northwards

Chaos has already been reported in Johannesburg. Please see tips below on keeping safe and who to call if you need help.

https://twitter.com/TrafficSA/status/796743043718250496

https://twitter.com/TrafficSA/status/796733576704299009

https://twitter.com/TrafficSA/status/796716492184285184

Safety Tips if you’re caught in a Flash Flood in South Africa

  • People in low-lying areas are urged to be extra careful and avoid low-lying bridges. Flash floods occur within minutes of heavy rain
  • Those on the road should turn around and go to a safe place until the water has subsided. If you’re in a flash flood, abandon your car.
  • Please listen to radio for weather alerts. If advised to evacuate by emergency services, do so immediately.
  • Report  all emergencies to 10177 /112
  • If you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood call Netcare911: 082911

In other ‘weather’ news SA Weather Service CEO Dr Linda Makuleni was fired today after being embroiled in allegations of corruption.

View photos of JHB Floods, 09 November 2016 – #JoburgFloods, flooding in Jozi, South Africa