Central SA
Orange level five warning issued for severe storms over Central SA─── ZENANDE MPAME 13:11 Fri, 06 Mar 2026
An orange level five warning for severe thunderstorms has been issued for parts of Central South Africa that may result in flooding of roads, damaging winds, and large amounts of small hail.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned severe thunderstorms may affect the western Free State, eastern Northern Cape, and central North West. Meanwhile, yellow level two and yellow level four warnings have been issued for Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
These storms are expected to be severe and may be accompanied by heavy downpours that could lead to flooding in settlements and low-lying areas, as well as excessive lightning.
The conditions might also lead to localised infrastructure damage, disruptions to traffic, and dangerous outdoor conditions may occur in affected areas.
“An upper air trough over the central interior is resulting in scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers over the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, and the western Free State,” said SAWS senior forecaster Tokelo Chiloane.
“As the system shifts eastwards, it is expected to develop into a tropical temperate trough. This type of weather system transports large amounts of tropical moisture into South Africa, and often leads to widespread and persistent rainfall.”
The weather service will continue to monitor the system closely and will issue updates as new information becomes available. The public and relevant authorities are urged to follow official weather warnings and advisories from reliable sources, she said.
Impact-based severe weather warnings for Friday (6/3). Photo: SAWS
Potential impacts include:
- localised damage to infrastructure, vehicles, and livestock;
- disruptions to power supply and essential services;
- localised flooding on roads, bridges, and low-lying areas; and
- agricultural losses due to excessive rain.
Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution on the roads. Reduced visibility, slippery surfaces, and sudden flooding remain major concerns, prompting warnings for drivers to slow down, keep headlights on, and maintain safe following distances.
Motorists need to adapt their driving according to the weather, said the Automobile Association of South Africa. “They need to brake earlier, enter corners at slower speeds, and maintain focus on the road ahead at all times.”
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