The aftermath of tropical storm Eloise is now a much-weakened extratropical low-pressure system and is currently situated over the south-western parts of Botswana; however, the disruptive rainfall is still expected over parts of South Africa.

Weather Forecaster, Lehlogonolo Thobela, says several warnings are in place on Thursday. “Widespread rainfall over the eastern parts of the country that includes Gauteng, parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga.”

An Orange Level 5 Warning was issued for Disruptive Rainfall expected over Gauteng, the southern and western parts of Mpumalanga and in the Western Bushveld in Limpopo.  

“A Yellow warning was issued for disruptive rainfall expected over the western parts of the North-West Province and the extreme north-eastern parts of the Northern Cape, spreading to the western and central parts of Free State, resulting in flooding of low-lying areas, disruption to traffic and basic services and damage to crops and livestock,” says Thobela.

On Friday, there is a 60% chance of thundershowers over Gauteng, the Free State, North West, the southwestern part of  Limpopo, and Mpumalanga.

Thobela says the biggest concern is flooding as well as loss or degradation of agricultural plantings due to excessive rainfall.

The impacts associated with disruptive rainfall include:

“Localised/flash flooding of low-lying areas, informal and formal settlements. Impaired agricultural production due to flooding and damage to crops. Difficult driving conditions (major and dirt roads) due to reduced visibility and flooding of roads which can contribute to minor vehicle accidents and increased travel time.

“Disruption to essential services (e.g. power cuts, network issues, interruption of water supply to smaller towns). Vulnerable communities adjacent to floodplains and riverbeds should be on high alert should river levels rise, causing flooding of communities and settlements. This can ultimately lead to displacement or evacuation of such communities at short notice,” says Thobela.

He warned the public to refrain from crossing flooded streams or rivers by vehicle or on foot.

Thobela says residents in those areas, can expect the sun to shine on them again only from next week Wednesday.

Jacaranda News