Today's weather: Severe thunderstorms to hit Eastern Cape and KZN
The SA Weather Service forecasts severe thunderstorms and up to 80% rain chances across the eastern half of South Africa on Thursday.
Image: AFP
South Africa is gearing up for a turbulent Thursday as the South African Weather Service issues multiple severe weather warnings ahead of significant rainfall and thunderstorms.
Parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal fall under a Level 4 warning, the highest alert for severe thunderstorms.
These areas could see heavy downpours, flooding of low-lying roads and bridges, strong winds and large amounts of small hail.
Central regions, including areas around Aliwal North, Cradock and parts of the Free State, are under a Level 2 warning for thunderstorms that may lead to localised flooding, hail and strong winds.
Along the southern coastline, a Level 1 advisory warns of damaging winds that may pose risks to vessels at sea.
Rain chances indicate just how widespread the activity will be. Limpopo, Mpumalanga and parts of the eastern Free State face an 80% chance of thunderstorms.
KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape interior and portions of the Northern Cape and central Free State have a 60% chance of rain.
Interior areas of the Western Cape are forecast to see a 30% chance of showers, while the far west, including the region around Springbok and Vredendal, is expected to remain dry.
With severe weather expected to disrupt travel and daily activity, the Weather Service urges residents in affected areas to stay alert, avoid crossing flooded roads and monitor updates throughout the day.
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