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The North West Department of Cooperative Governance has placed its Provincial Disaster Management Centre on high alert as it monitors a severe weather system expected to impact various regions across South Africa later this week. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning regarding the potential for severe thunderstorms over parts of the North West, Free State, and Gauteng provinces, with the storms forecasted to occur from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.

According to Lerato Gambu, a spokesperson for the North West Department, the approaching weather system could bring about substantial rainfall, strong and potentially destructive winds, excessive lightning, and hail. Gambu emphasized that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the North West Province is maintaining a high state of readiness due to the severe weather system, which is predicted to affect the region from Thursday to Saturday evening.

The department is coordinating with district municipalities and emergency services, prepared to deploy resources promptly should reports of localized flooding arise.

In a message to the public, Gambu advised residents, farmers, and especially motorists to exercise caution throughout the weekend. He urged people to avoid low-lying areas and to never attempt crossing flooded roads or bridges. Moreover, Gambu cautioned that temperatures will drop significantly during the weekend, urging residents to take necessary measures to stay warm. The North West Department is continuously monitoring the evolving weather situation and will issue further updates as deemed necessary.