Ekurhuleni on high alert as cold snap, storms grip Gauteng

The City of Ekurhuleni's Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has placed its crews on high alert due to severe weather conditions gripping Gauteng. South African Weather Service (Saws) has issued a weather warning, predicting cloudy skies, cold temperatures, scattered showers, thundershowers, and light snowfall in the region.

According to Gauteng Weather, the coldest day of the cold snap is expected on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching their lowest in years and snow possible in certain areas. Johannesburg is forecasted to have a minimum temperature of 1°C and a maximum of 4°C, while Vereeniging is expected to plummet to 0°C with a high of 5°C, and Pretoria will see a low of 3°C and a high of 7°C.

DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi emphasized that the city's team remains on high alert, emphasizing the importance of safety. He advised that as temperatures drop, people should be cautious when using heaters and ensure they are not left unattended. He also warned against placing heaters too close to combustibles such as bed linens, tablecloths, and curtains.

Switching off heat sources before going to bed was recommended, as fires can quickly escalate in strong winds. Ntladi cautioned against outdoor open fires, as they can become uncontrollable and pose a significant threat to nearby structures, especially in densely populated areas with close proximity of buildings. He further advised against discarding lit cigarette buds carelessly, as dry vegetation can easily ignite and lead to massive wildfires due to strong winds.

In case of any fire or life-threatening emergencies, the public is urged to call 011 458 0911 to ensure immediate assistance from the necessary intervention teams.