Snow, Thunderstorms… Mzansi’s ‘Damaging’ and ‘Disruptive’ Start to Winter
PrimediaPlus.com
South Africa’s winter season has made an abrupt and disruptive entrance, bringing with it snowfall, thunderstorms, and damaging weather conditions that have affected various parts of the country.
Snow Blankets Western Cape and Eastern Cape
Several towns and mountain peaks in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape have been blanketed in snow, disrupting traffic and leaving residents in awe of the picturesque scenery. However, the snowfall has also caused road closures and power outages, particularly in the Ceres and Matroosberg areas.
Thunderstorms Bring Heavy Rain and Hail
In other parts of the country, thunderstorms have brought heavy rain and hail, causing localized flooding and damage to property. Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Free State have been particularly affected, with hail the size of golf balls reported in some areas.
Warnings of Severe Weather
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued warnings of severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds for various regions. The public is advised to avoid low-lying areas, drive with caution, and be aware of potential flash floods.
Disruptions to Schools and Transport
The severe weather conditions have disrupted school schedules and transportation. Several schools in the Western Cape have been forced to close due to the snow, while bus and train services have been affected by the thunderstorms and flooding.
‘Damaging’ and ‘Disruptive’
Meteorologist Claire Martins of SAWS described the start of winter as “damaging” and “disruptive.” She urged residents to stay informed and heed the warnings issued by the weather service.
Calls for Caution
Disaster management teams are on high alert and urging communities to take precautions. Residents are advised to: * Secure loose items outside their homes * Avoid driving through flooded areas * Report any fallen power lines or damaged infrastructure * Stay indoors during thunderstorms if possible As winter progresses, it is important to stay updated with weather forecasts and warnings, and to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety and minimize the impact of severe weather conditions.
Snow, Thunderstorms Bring Damaging and Disruptive Start to Winter in South Africa
South Africa is experiencing an unusually severe start to winter, with snow, thunderstorms, and hailstorms causing widespread damage and disruption across the country.
Key Impacts:
*
Snowfall:
Parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal have seen heavy snowfall, with some areas receiving over 15 centimeters of snow. *
Thunderstorms:
Intense thunderstorms have occurred in Gauteng, Limpopo, and North West, resulting in flooding, hail damage, and power outages. *
Hailstorms:
Severe hailstorms have been reported in several provinces, causing damage to homes, vehicles, and crops.
Affected Areas:
*
Eastern Cape:
Snowfall and thunderstorms have impacted areas such as Elliot, Maclear, and Ugie. *
KwaZulu-Natal:
Snowfall has affected the Drakensberg Mountains and surrounding towns like Underberg and Howick. *
Gauteng:
Thunderstorms have caused flooding and power outages in Pretoria and Johannesburg. *
Limpopo:
Thunderstorms have brought heavy rain and hail to areas like Thohoyandou and Polokwane. *
North West:
Thunderstorms have affected Rustenburg and Klerksdorp, leading to road closures and damage to homes.
Warnings and Advice:
* The South African Weather Service has issued warnings of continued severe weather, including snow, thunderstorms, and hailstorms. * Motorists are advised to exercise caution and avoid driving in hazardous conditions. * Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from weather-related damage.
Additional Information:
* The severe weather is attributed to a cold front that is moving across the country. * The winter season in South Africa typically runs from June to August. * The South African government has deployed teams to assist affected communities.
