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 […]
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 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.
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.
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
Walkerville area heading JHB way. @EWNTraffic @TrafficSA @PigSpotter @jaca_traffic @OF_THE_SOUTH pic.twitter.com/hKWX5URMdy
— Help 24 Group (@Help24Group) November 10, 2016
Wow! @missjinamin, what a photo! #MyJoburg pic.twitter.com/sk58RRrZl8
— 947 Music.Life (@947) November 10, 2016
Westrand currently pic.twitter.com/XRflCYQO2o
— DriveGP (@DriveGp) November 10, 2016
Gauteng taking the next beating and even worse…@Tamz_O @jaca_traffic @crimeairnetwork @netstartraffic @IamAlexSweet @TrafficFreeflow pic.twitter.com/hctqERvepv
— DriveGP (@DriveGp) November 10, 2016
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.