According to the SAWS, the rain is expected to continue until midnight on Wednesday.

It furthermore warned that general flooding of low-lying areas could be expected.

“Flooded roads causing dangerous driving conditions; damage to formal/informal infrastructure; disruption of services; agricultural losses, and possible loss of life might also occur.”

WHAT AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED?

Here are the areas that are expected to be affected:

• Dawid Kruiper
• Twee Rivieren
• Upington
• Kai !Garib
• Augrabies Falls
• Tsantsabane
• Postmasburg
• !Kheis
• Groblershoop
• Siyathemba
• Prieska
• Emthanjeni
• De Aar
• Siyancuma
• Griquastad
• Kareeberg
• VanWyksvlei

“If possible, stay indoors and off the roads, and avoid crossing rivers and swollen streams where water is above your ankles. If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon it and climb to higher ground. In buildings, move valuables to a safe place above the expected flood level.”

SAWS

TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN DRIVING

All road users are requested to take extra caution:

• Reduce speed
• Switch on your headlights
• Pedestrians should be careful when crossing the road
• Avoid crossing rivers and streams where water is above your ankles

Households were urged to open/make pathways to allow water to flow out of their yards.

Here is a checklist for residents to prepare for the extreme rainfall: 

• Make sure that drainage pipes on your property are not blocked
• Make sure that the stormwater gutters around your property are free from debris
• Check for dead or burnt trees that have the potential of falling onto your property and causing damage
• Place sandbags where necessary to protect critical areas
• Check the terms of your insurance policy with regard to flood and mud damage
• In informal settlements, raise the floor level of your home to be higher than the land outside
• Listen to weather warnings that are issued by the South African Weather Service

The South African